Biochar is a fine-grained, porous, charcoal-like substance produced by heating organic plant or animal matter (biomass) in a zero- or low-oxygen env ironment. This chemical decomposition process is called pyrolysis. Unlike regular charcoal, which is primarily produced to be burned as fuel; biochar is created for agricultural enhancement and long-term carbon storage. Biochar is made from wood chips, crop residues (like corn cobs), forestry waste, and animal manure. The biomass is sealed inside a container and heated to high temperatures, usually between 750°F and 1300°F. Because oxygen is absent, the material cannot catch fire or turn to ash. Instead, it breaks down into energy-rich gases and a highly stable, solid carbon structure. Biochar is great for enhancing soil. The microscopic, sponge-like structure of biochar acts as a physical filter that catches and holds moisture in the soil. For nutrient storage, biochar prevents fertilizer runoff by trapping essential minerals and ma...

  Smoke from over 830 Canadian wildfires continue to cause hazy skies, poor air quality and breathing health concerns for those most vulnerable, especially in Northern Ohio, Northern Indiana, and Michigan. While the worst air quality concerns occurred 2-3 weeks ago, there is still an Air Quality Alert for this area. The smoke contains many fine particles which get in the lungs and exacerbate breathing problems. Elderly people, children and those suffering from any type of illness need to stay vigilant. The hazy skies and campfire-like smell may make the sunrise and sunsets more colorful, but they are dangerous for affected individuals. For these individuals; limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, monitor the air quality index and monitor your breathing. Consult a doctor if experiencing difficulty. With the recent rains and weather patterns, the smoke and haze may start to diminish. The effect of the Canadian wildfires on crop development has been minimal. The weather has been...

  Waterhemp is a tall summer annual and a common Midwest weed, thriving in wet areas but is adaptable to various conditions. It is an invasive weed in both corn and soybean fields. Yield losses may range from 11% to 75%. It has separate male and female plants, producing over 1 million seeds per plant. Waterhemp seedlings have light green to red-pink stems. Cotyledons (first leaves) are oval to lance-shaped, hairless, red-green above, and dark red below. The first true leaves are oblong, dark green, shiny on top, reddish-pink underneath, and shallowly notched at the tip. Mature plants can be 2.5–12 feet tall, upright and branching. Waterhemp has a deep taproot with secondary fibrous roots, competing with corn and soybean crops for water and nutrients (Cornell University). The pigweed family includes waterhemp, Palmer amaranth, and redroot pigweed species. Palmer amaranth has longer leaf stalks than the leaf blade, broader leaves, sometimes with white chevron markings while waterhemp...

  Corn Tar Spot (Phyllachora maydis) is showing up in Southwest/Central Ohio in Preble and Madison counties. Corn that is tasseling or reaching silking stages with warm, humid, foggy, cloudy and wet weather create favorable conditions for corn tar spot to develop. Tar spot looks like small raised black spots on corn leaves when air temperatures are 64°F - 73°F, high humidity (>75%), and long periods of leaf wetness. Once the tar spot reaches the upper leaves during grain fill, photosynthesis is reduced and it decreases kernel development and grain yield. Tar spot is a corn disease originated in Central America and is spreading rapidly by wind into corn growing states. Corn will mature early with reduced ear weight, poor kernel fill, stalk rot, and possibly lodging with yield losses ranging from 0-60 bushel per acre, depending upon disease severity. There are several ways to combat tar spot. No corn hybrid is totally resistant but some varieties (especially early maturing) are mo...