Integrated Crop Management News

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Corn and Dry Soils at Planting, Looking Ahead to 2012 - Part I

January 31, 2012
Hybrid-maize model input factors that were the same across locations

Part I: Yield prediction with dry conditions at planting

By Roger Elmore, Department of Agronomy

Dry conditions persist in many parts of Iowa. As of Jan. 30, modeled volumetric root-zone soil water in the northwestern half of the state was one-third or less (see Mesonet map).  Elwynn Taylor, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach climatologist, indicates there is some probability that these dry conditions will persist.

What if it is dry at planting in 2012?

Corn and Dry Soils at Planting, Looking ahead to 2012 - Part III

January 31, 2012
Years where simulated yields of lower plant population were greater than that of the higher plant population as affected by whether soils were dry or wet at planting

Part III: Plant population changes?


By Roger Elmore, Department of Agronomy


Dry conditions persist in many parts of Iowa as documented in Part I of this series. In areas of the Corn Belt with poorer soils and/or reduced rainfall, farmers typically reduce plant populations to compensate for the conditions. Is that something we should consider in Iowa if conditions remain dry at planting?

What if it is dry at planting in 2012, should you consider lower plant populations?

Corn and Dry Soils at Planting, Looking ahead to 2012 - Part II

January 31, 2012
Years where simulated Early-season yields yielded more than Full-season hybrids as affected by dry or wet soils

Part II: Hybrid maturity changes?


By Roger Elmore, Department of Agronomy


Dry conditions persist in many parts of Iowa as documented in Part I of this series. Some corn growing areas of the U.S. normally are not so blessed with good soils and precipitation at planting. Corn farmers in those areas sometimes use early-maturing hybrids to help mitigate drought conditions.


Variety Trial Results Show Differences in SCN Control Among Varieties

January 21, 2012
Locations of ISU SCN-resistant Soybean Variety Trial Program experiments

Iowa farmers can choose from more than 800 soybean varieties that are described as having resistance to the soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Research results show that the varieties vary greatly in yield and nematode control. The ISU SCN-resistant Soybean Variety Trial Program evaluates hundreds of varieties each year, and results from testing in 2011 are now available.