K-State Research and Extension news service
In this video from K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University soil scientist Deann Presley says dry weather in Kansas presents an opportunity to work on farm ponds.
“Many of our ponds need periodic cleaning out of the old sediment that might get brought down by livestock or natural processes,” she said.
She urges landowners to consider draining their ponds, scraping the bottom and compacting the soil before filling them up again.
Presley suggests a minimum 30% clay in the soil, though she adds, “40% is even better.” Alternate products that can be used include sodium chloride, rock salt, soda ash or bentonite; K-State’s Feb. 17 Agronomy eUpdate lists each product with suggested application rates.
Producers should then compact the soil with a sheepsfoot roller.
“The importance of compaction cannot be over-stated,” Presley said. “Many people often think, ‘I have enough clay in the soil; I’ll roll on it for a while and it will be okay.’ But the sheepsfoot roller is important” for proper compaction of the soil.
More information is available in K-State’s Feb. 17 Agronomy eUpdate or from local extension offices in Kansas.
K-State Research and Extension video produced by Dan Donnert
LEARN MORE:
Agronomy eUpdate (Feb. 17), https://ksre-learn.com/agronomy-eupdate-feb17
K-State Research and Extension statewide offices, https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html
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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Story by:
Dan Donnert
[email protected]
For more information:
Deann Presley
785-532-1218
[email protected]
