Soil Moisture Conditions and Crop Water Use
Soil texture, tillage practices, residue cover, drainage and weed control can play a significant role in soil moisture availability.
Integrated Crop Management News
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Managing Corn Residue with Different Tillage Systems and N Applications Field Days
By Jim Fawcett and John Holmes, Extension Field Agronomists, and Greg Walston, Extension Program Director
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host two tours of residue management plots in July.
New Fungicide Questions Creeping into the Conversation
There have been few foliar problems on corn and soybeans this spring. When applying foliar fungicides in the absence of significant disease, selecting the right product is important.
It's a No-win Situation: Large Weeds and Hot, Dry Weather
Weeds have survived early-season control tactics this year, and many producers want to take action. But many rescue treatment have little chance of providing effective control. Carefully evaluate the risks with applications made at this time and use this year's experiences to develop a more consistent weed control program for next year.
Care with Plant Nutrient Analysis
Producers may wonder whether plant growth is affected by nutrient deficiency or if climatic and soil factors are causing the problem. This article summarizes key points to consider with plant analysis.
Soybean Response to Drought
By Andy Lenssen, Department of Agronomy
Although drought typically is an infrequent occurrence in Iowa, 2012 has been an exception to the rule. Winter, spring and early summer precipitation has been below long-term average, and soybeans in some areas of the state are experiencing periodic water stress due to inadequate available water content in upper soil depths. Farmers have asked whether drought stress early in the season can influence yield if precipitation levels approach long-term average later in the season.
Should you be scouting for Goss's wilt?
Goss's wilt was found recently on plants in Iowa and Nebraska. If you are scouting for Goss's wilt, focus your attention on fields that are planted to susceptible hybrids, have a history of the disease, have surface corn residue, and have been recently injured by sever weather.
Scouting for Japanese Beetle
By Erin Hodgson, Department of Entomology
New Approach to Assessing Possible Nematode Damage to Corn
Determining whether plant-parasitic nematodes are present in high enough numbers to cause damage and yield loss to corn is difficult. Multiple nematode species are usually present in a field, and the number of nematodes necessary to cause damage can vary from field to field. A new approach has been developed to assess the overall likelihood of damage occurring based on the nematode species and numbers present and the conditions of the field. This article explains the basics of the new system.
Twisted whorls and yellow leafs
Corn producers might see yellowing leaves above the canopy. The symptom is not unusual in fast-growing corn; leaves should unfurl and turn turn green within a few days.