- Author: Konrad Mathesius
- Author: Gabriele Maier
- Author: Josh Davy
- Editor: Mark Lundy
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Looking a little dry out there?
Dry conditions mean it's good to be cautious about nitrate toxicity in forage crops, particularly small grain hay, grasses, and anything weedy! Nitrates can harm or even kill animals. Growers should test forages and stay vigilant.
Why are dry years more of a concern for nitrate toxicity? Drought conditions in California this year are the worst they've been in decades. Many growers are considering cutting their grain fields for hay, however, that may cause some concerns for ruminant livestock if forage nitrate (NO3) levels are not monitored closely since drought stress can cause nitrate accumulation in forage...
- Author: Mark Lundy
A survey of California growers, certified crop advisors (CCA), pest control advisors (PCA), and input suppliers was conducted online between January and May of 2017 via a link sent out on the University of California Small Grains Blog (http://ucanr.edu/blogs/smallgrains/). Notifications about the survey were sent to the UC Grains listserv and the California Wheat Commission electronic mailing list. The objective of the survey was to gain a better understanding of the current status of small grain production in California and seek input to...