Publications

An attractive lawn adds beauty and value to any property and is one of the most versatile and functional plants in the landscape. Turfgrass enhances the environment in ways that are particularly important in urban environments. Turf is one of the most effective plant covers to reduce soil erosion and surface runoff while recharging ground water, which results in more efficient use of rainfall. In most landscapes turf occupies the largest area and provides an ideal surface for outdoor activities. It begins with selecting the best adapted species and cultivar for an individual site: right plant, right place.

Successful lawn care requires a basic understanding of soil properties. A healthy plant starts with healthy soil. Soil is a complex relationship of soil minerals, organic matter, soil inhabiting organisms, and plants along with water and air. Understanding when and how to aerate the soil and understanding what pH is and how it affects plant health is essential for turfgrass health. This publication aims to help homeowners and landscape professionals improve soil fertility through the techniques discussed.

Ryegrass threatens Georgia wheat production as herbicide resistance has become very problematic. Aggressive resistant management programs must be implemented; ignoring this warning will ensure resistance that threatens long-term sustainability of grain production. Wild radish is the most problematic broadleaf weed infesting Georgia wheat. Wild radish seed pods often contaminate harvested grain, thereby reducing profits. Managing wild radish is not difficult if timely management decisions are implemented. This publication provides commercial wheat producers with herbicide options and critical thinking points on controlling ryegrass and wild radish.

For any business or institution producing food waste, this organic material can be easily decomposed into high quality compost. As landfill space and openings decrease, there will undoubtedly be more pressure to compost food waste along with all organic waste. As tipping fees increase and it becomes prohibitively more expensive to landfill, composting may be an attractive financial alternative as well as a value-added opportunity.

Chemigation is an inclusive term referring to the application of a chemical into or through an irrigation system. It includes the application of fertilizers, acids, chlorine and pesticides. Chemigation can save time, reduce labor requirements, and conserve energy and materials. Chemigation is beneficial, however, only to the extent that the irrigation system is adequately designed, fully functional and properly managed.

Aeration conditions grain and seed by lowering the temperature of the material and equalizing the temperature within the storage structure. This prevents moisture migration and condensation and can reduce losses during storage.

Energy inputs for irrigation pumping frequently exceed the energy used for all other crop production practices. This fact, coupled with rapidly increasing fuel and energy costs, causes irrigation farmers to look for ways to reduce energy consumption. Careful consideration should be given to selecting a pump that will deliver water to the system with the greatest possible efficiency. After installation, pump performance should be watched closely and evaluated, with steps being taken as needed to adjust, repair or replace inefficient pumping equipment.

Drying is one of the oldest methods of preserving food and feedstock. It is simply the removal of moisture from a product, usually by forcing dry air through the material. This publication provides in-depth instruction on how to dry grain and soybeans.

This publication is a comprehensive guide to irrigation methods for tobacco in Georgia.

In order to maintain a lush, green lawn and productive garden, supplemental water in the form of irrigation is often needed during peak water use periods. Two basic types of irrigation are suitable for the home landscape: sprinkler irrigation and drip (or trickle) irrigation. This publication contains comprehensive information about irrigating lawns and gardens.