Integrated Crop Management News
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Yellow Corn, Wet Soils, and N Loss – Part 2
By John Sawyer, Department of Agronomy
Last week (June 19) I provided some observations on corn growth and response to nitrogen (N) applied in an anhydrous ammonia study being conducted at the ISU research farm between Ames and Boone. Following are some observations one week later (June 26, 2008).
Flooding and Stored Grain
By Charles Hurburgh, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and Dan Loy, Department of Animal Science
Floodwaters have soaked many grain bins on farms and at commercial elevators. With only a few exceptions, flood soaked grain is not useable for feed or food. Flooding affects both the stored grain and the storage structures.
Grain and Grain Products
Avoid Unnecessary Tillage in Wet Soil Areas
By Mahdi Al-Kaisi, Department of Agronomy and Mark Hanna, Department of Agricultural and BioSystems Engineering
Is It Time to Switch Soybean Maturity Group Varieties?
By Palle Pedersen, Department of Agronomy
Many farmers were able to get back into the field this week and start finishing up planting. However, there are still many areas where fields remain flooded and it will take awhile before we can get back in and replant. Some fields need to be replanted and some don’t. It is important to accurately estimate a surviving stand and then evaluate the economics of replanting.
Flooding and Mosquitoes
By Laura Jesse, ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic
Flooding per se, does not lead to mosquitoes. It is the water that stands AFTER the flooding that creates opportunities for mosquitoes to breed. Heavy, frequent rainfall may lower mosquito population numbers because there is no standing, stagnant water in which the larvae can feed on grow (mosquito larvae do not live in running water).
Yellow Corn, Wet Soils and N Loss - Part 1
By John Sawyer, Department of Agronomy
Yellow Corn
As many are well aware, the wet conditions this spring have resulted in tremendous corn coloration and growth variation across fields. In my travels to the ISU research farms west of Ames this week for research work, it is clear that corn is recovering and beginning rapid growth, but that growth is very uneven and varies on a quite small scale.
Assessing Private Well Safety After Flooding
By Tom Glanville, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
As the floodwater recede, we are getting lots of questions from rural residents wanting to know if their wells are safe to use. Here are three of the most common questions.
There was no flood water on my property, but the nearby fields and road were flooded. How do I know if my well should be tested.
Weed Science Field Book Available
Despite the cancellation of the Iowa State University Weed Science field day originally scheduled for June 26, there is still an opportunity to review the weed management demonstrations and research at the ISU Curtiss Farm on South State Street in Ames.
Since planting and herbicide applications are still underway, particularly for soybeans, it is suggested that a good opportunity to see the weed science research exists after the first week in July.