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Do we need to think about conserving soil moisture prior to planting?

March 12, 2024 10:00 AM
Blog Post

It most certainly has been a strange winter with very little moisture. This fact, combined with a multi-year drought has people concerned for spring planting. Most farmers I have talked to this winter have shared concerns about not only the lack of precipitation, but the lack of soil moisture. And while we had outstanding yields in some places in 2023 even with drought conditions, I would point out there is one major difference shaping up so far for 2024.

Northwest Iowa Subsoil Moisture Survey Results Announced

November 15, 2023 7:00 AM
Blog Post

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Field Agronomists have completed their fall survey of subsoil moisture in northwest Iowa. Subsoil moisture sampling in Iowa dates back to February 1954 when ten sites were chosen for soil moisture sampling. In 1959, the sampling increased to 22 locations, and in 1971, 61 locations were sampled. Today, 18 locations are sampled in northwest Iowa.

Soil Temperatures: Are we there yet?

October 30, 2023 9:54 AM
Blog Post

Researchers recommend that soil temperatures at the 4-inch depth are 50° F and cooling before applying fall anhydrous ammonia or manure with a high ammonium nitrogen (N) content, such as with liquid swine manure.

Looking at the current 4-inch soil temperatures across the state, we did drop below that 50° F mark this weekend.

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Delay Manure Applications if you Want to Cut Your Nitrogen Bill

October 9, 2023
Applying fertilizer to a field.

Harvest has taken off in recent weeks as crops are quickly drying down. The open fields are tempting manure applicators to get started on their manure applications; however, it is worthwhile to pause and consider the fertilizer value that is given up when manure is applied to warm soils.

What is the value and cost of manure?

A Recipe for Success with Soil Sampling this Fall

October 2, 2023 11:17 AM
Blog Post

Fall is a great time to take soil samples for testing. Soil testing is the only way to determine soil nutrient levels and test results can help make critical management decisions for the next growing season. Soil testing starts with the soil sample. It is critical to take a collection of representative cores for each soil sample. The small sample of soil collected serves as the basis for the lab analysis and ultimately will be used to interpret the soil test results and make recommendations.

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Fall Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilization Decisions with Variable Prices and Updated Soil-Test Interpretations

September 15, 2023

Decisions for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilization should consider slightly lower but still fluctuating crop and fertilizer prices compared with last year and very variable rainfall across the state. The current or expected crop and fertilizer prices after harvest and the yield level this harvest have a major impact on producers' fertilization decisions.

Soil-test P and K interpretations were updated last winter

Crops: 

PIDC Dos and Don'ts - Field Crops Edition

June 15, 2023 9:50 AM
Blog Post

We’re well into the growing season in Iowa. We are in full swing in the Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic (PIDC) as growers, certified crop consultants, and field agronomists start to notice problems in their fields. While there is information on our PIDC webpage (https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/pidc) about the services that we provide, with some sample snafus this spring, I figured it was time to write a brief blog article to remind you here, too.

Spring 2023 Subsoil Moisture Level Report for Northwest Iowa

April 19, 2023 10:04 AM
Blog Post

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has completed their spring survey of subsoil moisture in northwest Iowa.  The amount of subsoil moisture is sampled in the fall and spring across northwest Iowa each year.  Sites within this survey have been sampled for decades providing a historical perspective on subsoil moisture levels.

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