Less Than 30 Days to 1st Killing Frost – Ag Matters

We all know it's coming, and it may be sooner than you think.  We're about 4 weeks from the first killing frost.  The farm experts at Cornell Cooperative Extension say its time to analyze soil conditions.

A quick check of the Dave's Garden website shows there's a 50% chance of a killing frost by October 10.  You can see the dates of the first and last frost by zip code here.  CCE says now is the best time to take soil samples and for corn growers, the nitrogen content of their crop.

For hay fields that are 3 or more years old, determine what nutrients are needed, especially checking on potassium levels. It is also a good time to obtain samples from corn fields that will be rotated to hay next year to see if the pH is adequate or if lime has to be applied.  Here's more details  on getting your soil samples analyzed.

The corn stalk nitrate test is a way to evaluate your utilization of nitrogen (N) in corn production this season. Cut the stalk at 14” and then the stub at 6” ending with an 8” segment of stalk taken at 6” above the soil surface. Obtain one stalk sample per acre in each field. Be careful to avoid having your sample contact the soil and contaminate it. Cut each stalk into quarters and place one quarter of each sample into a paper bag and label it with the field name.  You will find a form to submit your samples as well as more details on how to take the samples at this Cornell website.

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension