About Us
County Impact Statements - Crittenden County
Service Programs
One of the more valuable tools a grower can use free is the soil testing
program. Nitrogen requirements are adjusted by criteria of specific crop
variety, current soil levels, irrigation and yield goals. Phosphorous and
potassium are dependent on a current soil test to determine accurate
recommendations. Misapplication of fertilizers as an excess or a deficiency can
be costly to final yields and net profits. These costs may exceed $18.00 to
$33.00 per acre. Other diagnostic services for plant diseases and nematode
detection are available to correct existing problems experienced by growers.
Free computer programs that are widely used include Rice DD50, irrigation
scheduling, SOYVA and WheatSel. These downloadable programs assist the grower by
improving management skills. The DD50 program can predict critical rice growth
stages for precise decisions. Rice producers may also calculate the rice plant
area for adjusting nitrogen applications at mid- to late season. Riceseed is a
program that determines seeding rates by variety based on various conditions.
Timing irrigation water to prevent crop stress is simplified over guessing
with the computerized irrigation scheduler. Excess irrigation can readily reduce
final yields and encourage diseases.
The best choice of soybean and wheat varieties for a particular field can be
easier obtained through the SOYVA and WheatSel computer programs. A few
questions are required regarding planting date, soil type, previous disease
problems and herbicide preferences. This results in a rapid listing of
high-yielding-disease-tolerant varieties.
Diagnostics for soils and plants help correct current and future
problems.
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Impacts
- Submitted soil fertility samples represent 120,765 acres of farm land.
- Rice DD50 reports reflect 28,853 acres managed last year.
- SOYVA and WheatSel computer programs selected varieties for 50
producers.
- Irrigation scheduling was used by 52 producers.
- 45 Cotton growers and consultants used the COTMAN program last year.
- The county submitted 716 nematode samples for cotton, corn and soybeans
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