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By Stephen K. Barnhart, Department of Agronomy
The first frost of the autumn generally brings a flurry of forage related questions centered around three general topics:
By Stephen K. Barnhart and Palle Pedersen, Department of Agronomy
Late season evaluation involves reviewing normal crop growth and development, assessing the condition of the crops in individual fields relative to normal, and thinking through several autumn season scenarios such as: How will this field develop between now and the normal frost time? What are the concerns or alternatives if a frost comes one or two weeks earlier than normal?
By Stephen K. Barnhart and Roger W. Elmore, Department of Agronomy
by Mahdi Al-Kaisi, Department of Agronomy, and Mark Hanna, Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering
by XB Yang, Department of Plant Pathology
During the past planting season, there were many reports of low soybean seed germination rates, which may have been the result of last year’s wide spread of Phomopsis. Severe Phomopsis fungus infection can reduce seed quality. This season, several diseases (Cercospora, downy mildew, and white mold) were prevalent in different parts of Iowa; the causal fungi of these diseases can infect seeds. As harvest begins, it is time to learn about these diseases and check seed quality.
By Alison Robertson, Department of Plant Pathology
When corn reaches black layer, the crop should be scouted for stalk and ear rots. Anthracnose stalk rot is apparent in many fields across the state and Diplodia ear rot has been reported.
By William Edwards, Department of Economics and Steve Barnhart, Department of Agronomy
By Rich Pope, Department of Plant Pathology
It is September 24 and thankfully no frost to speak of yet. The 2008 season will be one to look back on as a reference for variable weather effects on crops.
I last posted degree day data in mid-August. As mentioned in that article, daily degree day accumulations are less critical once corn and soybean progress to reproductive stages, when general water and temperature stresses and solar radiation drive development.
By Mark Hanna, Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering
Proper combine settings will maximize grain quality while minimizing machine field losses. Taking time to achieve proper combine settings and harvest safety will benefit producers in the long run. Following are a few general tips, and some that relate directly to soybeans and corn.
By John Sawyer and Antonio Mallarino, Department of Agronomy
Fertilizers are at unbelievably high prices, with reports of tight supplies and potash allocation to dealers. Total crop production costs are causing credit supply issues, which complicates decisions to allocate available funds for production expenses. These issues are causing producers to consider changing production practices, including cutting back on inputs like fertilizer. What can be done?
