KTKA

High nitrogen prices are encouraging more producers to consider anhydrous ammonia for fertilizer applications this spring.

K-State Research and Extension Soil Fertility Specialist David Mengel reminds producers that anhydrous can be tricky to work with. In its original form, anhydrous ammonia can severely damage germinating seeds and seedling plants.

Producers should make sure they have the right application equipment and follow all directions carefully.

And because ammonia is toxic to people, Mengel says producers should wear protective clothing and equipment and employ strict safety practices.

Detailed guides to the use of anhydrous ammonia can be found at your local extension office.

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Grain sorghum researchers at Kansas State University are on the verge of a major breakthrough that could boost sorghum yields in Africa.

Striga is a parasitic weed that destroys sorghum and other crops by attaching itself to the roots of seedling plants.

K-State Researcher Kassim Al-Khatib and Mitch Tuinstra, former professor of agronomy at K-State and now at Purdue University, treated sorghum seeds with an inexpensive, low-toxic herbicide.

Early tests in Mali and Niger show encouraging results.