1) K-State Energy Answers: Track Your Radon Risk

Q: Where does radon come from, and where can I buy a test kit to determine if our home or business is at risk?

A: Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas produced from the natural radioactive decay of radium and uranium found in the soil beneath a house. The amount of radon in the soil depends on soil chemistry, which varies from one house to the next. Radon levels in the soil range from a few hundred to several thousands of pCi/L (picocurie per liter of air - equal to the decay of two radioactive atoms per minute).        

The amount of radon that escapes from the soil to enter the house depends on the foundation openings, soil porosity, soil moisture, and air pressure differences which create suction by the house on the soil.

Consumers can purchase radon test kits for their homes from a number of outlets. The Kansas Radon Program distributes short-term radon test kits through the Kansas State University Research and Extension service. Consumers can contact their county or district Extension office and inquire about availability and costs, which are under $10, inclusive of all costs. Home improvement stores may also stock or order test kits for consumers. Additionally, radon test kits can be purchased directly from the manufacturers and laboratories over the Internet.

More information is available on K-State’s Kansas Radon Program Web site: http://radon.oznet.ksu.edu/.

- Source: Bruce Snead, Kansas State University Energy Extension Service


 

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2) Money Management Tip Protects Account Numbers

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Cross out check or credit card numbers before submitting a receipt for reimbursement to an employer, charitable or professional organization or manufacturer’s rebate, said Marilyn Bischoff, Extension family economics specialist, University of Idaho, Boise. 

The same recommendation applies during the income tax preparation process, when others will have access to personal financial information.

More information on managing money and protecting personal information is available at the local K-State Research and Extension office.

- Source: Kansas State University Research and Extension


 

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3) Recent Temperatures’ Effect on ‘08 Wheat Depends on Status of Seed

MANHATTAN, Kan. – With some of Kansas’ winter wheat yet to emerge – especially in the south central and southwest areas – growers may be wondering whether cold weather in December and January killed their crop, a Kansas State University agronomist said.

“It’s possible but highly unlikely,” said Jim Shroyer, agronomy state leader for K-State Research and Extension. “If the seed had germinated but not yet emerged and soil temperatures at seeding depth reached single digits, then we could have some problems.”

In that situation, full emergence later in winter or spring isn’t likely, he said.

“So far, though, soil temperatures have not been that cold in Kansas – even with the bone-chilling air temperatures we’ve had – because soils have been wet and we’ve had some snow cover,” Shroyer said.

When seed has not germinated or started to swell, cold soil temperatures will not damage it anyway, he added.

“At this point I’m more worried about the potential for blowing in fields where the wheat has not yet emerged or has put out very little plant growth,” Shroyer said. “Blowing not only will result in erosion losses from the fields in question but also could damage young, emerged wheat plants in other fields.

“The freeze-thaw cycles we’re having tend to dry the soil surface and destroy the soil structure, which leaves the surface soil powdery and subject to blowing. However, timely moisture will help keep that soil from blowing.”


 

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4) Take a Day Trip to a Forest – in Kansas

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas is home to an ecotone – the name ecologists give to zones of gradual transition.

In Kansas’ case, the ecotone links the western end of the central U.S. hardwood forests to the eastern end of the Great Plains. This forest-prairie interface supports an impressive diversity of Kansas plants and wildlife – including nine different types of forest, said Bob Atchison, Kansas Forest Service.

The zone provides viewing and sometimes recreation opportunities for nature lovers of all kinds -- from hikers and campers to birdwatchers and native-plant fans, Atchison added.

“Schermerhorn Park in Cherokee County – the state’s southeast corner – has easy access for up-close observations of an Ozark Upland forest. It’s also home for many of our threatened and endangered animals, plus bats and a brilliant-orange cave salamander,” the forester said.

The dominant trees in Ozark Upland forests are the white, black and Shumard oaks and the shagbark and bitternut hickories. The tree canopy is shelter for a multitude of Ozark-type understory plants, such as sassafras, farkleberry and spicebush. 

“Having understory plants is one of the main differences between a forest and a woodland,” Atchison said. “In fact, a healthy Kansas forest is also likely to contain wildflowers, such as Dutchman’s breeches, dogtooth violet and sweet William phlox.”

Another Kansas’ forest type that is easy to observe is the Eastern Upland, he said. It’s on display in east central Kansas, where it’s readily accessible around the lake in Miami County State Park.

“The Eastern Upland is a beautiful forest. Sugar maple, basswood, red and black oaks, and bitternut and shagbark hickories are just a few of the trees,” Atchison said. “Deer thrive in ours, as do native and migrating bird species. Sometimes you can see eagles perching on the tall sycamores along the Marais des Cygnes River.” 

Web links to park details and maps are at http://www.naturalkansas.org/site.htm.