Updates From the Field, Cover Crops and Organic Sunflower

May 31, 2024

By Hannah Moshay

While the majority of sunflowers in the U.S. are grown further north, in North Carolina sunflower has potential to fit well into many of our current row-crop rotations. Graduate student Abby Pleasant is working to identify key agronomic recommendations for organic high-oleic sunflower in North Carolina. This research includes a density study, nitrogen rate study, and a variety trial with two different planting dates. We are in the second year of a nitrogen rate study, investigating optimal rates of nitrogen for organic high-oleic sunflower.

Sunflower yield and oil quality is influenced by nitrogen availability. While too little nitrogen can stunt growth and limit yields, too much nitrogen can lead to issues including lodging and lower oil content. This nitrogen study includes different rates of a nitrogen fertilizer (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 lb N/ac) approved for use in organic production and two leguminous winter cover crops, crimson clover and hairy vetch. In late October and early November our team planted crimson clover and hairy vetch in Clinton, Kinston, and Oxford.

Earlier this spring, we terminated the crimson clover and hairy vetch using a flail mower and incorporated their residue into the soil. Sunflowers were then planted into these plots 1-2 weeks following termination and incorporation of these cover crops. We are interested in seeing whether these leguminous cover crops can provide sufficient nitrogen for good sunflower yields and their impact on oil quantity and quality.

We look forward to sharing more updates from the field this season!

Source : ncsu.edu

Video: Our Own On-Farm Research Is the Best Source - Managing White Mold in Northeast Nebraska

If you assumed Nebraska was too hot and dry for white mold to be a problem in soybeans, think again.

This week we're featuring Galen Samuelson, a farmer and dealer from Wakefield, Nebraska, who knows all too well how devastating white mold can be.

"We don't have it consistently every year, but with our temperature and humidity, it can hurt us quite bad," Samuelson says. Looking for alternatives, he explains, "What I like about Heads Up is that it's non-harmful to the beneficial fungal colonies in the soil." Galen has been using Heads Up for several years now, after first hearing about it through a small ad in a regional newspaper. Watch below to hear about his journey.

When asked to write about Samuelson Seed, Galen said the following:

"Samuelson Seed is a 4th-generation, family-based company. It started with my grandfather, and I'm now starting to pass the torch to my son, Caleb."

"In the early 1990s, I started working with a company whose focus was on plant and soil health before those benefits were widely known. I've continued to keep plant and soil health the main focus in our farming operation decisions."