'Fly Free' Date for Hessian Fly
Hessian fly is a potentially destructive pest in winter wheat; however, cultural control can minimize the potential damage and economic loss.
Integrated Crop Management News
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Black Mold on Corn
Is your white shirt quickly turning black from walking in a cornfield? A black mold known as saprophytic fungi is to blame.
Crop Quality Issues from the Drought of 2012
Producers whose crops have quality issues need to talk to their insurance company before harvest. Some quality issues are covered; others are not.
Phosphorus, Potassium and pH Management Issues Following Drought-damaged Crops
Dry conditions and low yields will significantly reduce phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) removal with crop harvest, andmay also affect soil test P, K and pH results, complicating test interpretations.
Dry Soil Conditions and Liquid Manure Application
The current drought in Iowa has created changes in soil structure including fracturing and cracking, leading producers to wonder about the potential of leaching in drainage lines and groundwater.
Soil Fertility Management Issues Following Drought-damaged Crops - Nitrogen
This year's dry growing season has raised several soil fertility questions. In some cases, there have been relatively normal crop production and no need for management changes. In other situations with severely damaged crops, there is potential for adjustments for the 2013 corn crop.
August 10 Corn Yield Forecast
By Roger Elmore, Department of Agronomy
The USDA/NASS released the first 2012 corn yield forecast on August 10. The current Iowa corn yield forecast is for 141 bu/acre, down from both last year's 172, and the 30-year trend line value of 180(Figure 1). The August forecast for Iowa yield is 22 percent below trend line; that of the U.S., 123, is 23 percent below trend line.
Combine Settings for Drought
Crop conditions vary across regions, but also within fields in the same farming operation. Harvest won't be business as usual. Pre-scouting fields and approaching harvest with the right attitude is an important first step.
Dry Field Conditions Increase Harvest Fire Risks
If dry field conditions persist, potential for combine and field fires will increase. With current prospects for an early, dry harvest, fire prevention measures will be more important than usual.
Hight Nitrates Will Likely Carry Over in Drought-stressed, Dry Corn Stalks
By Stephen K. Barnhart, Department of Agronomy