Lessons from 2008 Corn Planting Date Studies
Roger Elmore and Lori Abendroth, Department of Agronomy
Integrated Crop Management News
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Organic Flax Production in Iowa
By Kathleen Delate, Departments of Agronomy and Horticulture
Iowa producers interested in raising flax will find valuable information in a new Extension publication, Organic Flax Production in Iowa – PM 2058. The publication by Kathlene Delate, Craig Chase and John Kennicker outlines planting and fertility requirements, variety selection, management issues, harvesting, storage and handling of the crop.
Cold Injury to Alfalfa and Forage Crops
By Stephen K. Barnhart, Department of Agronomy
Most of Iowa alfalfa fields have broken winter dormancy. A few early April nights with temperatures in the low 20 degrees F or below will pose a risk of cold injury to alfalfa and other forage species. Low temperatures, whether visible frost is present or not, may affect the growth of both established forage plants and newly emerged seedlings.
April 6 Crops and Weather Report
Doug Cooper , Iowa State University Extension communications specialist, interviewed Elwynn Taylor, extension climatologist; Rich Pope, integrated pest management specialist; and Palle Pedersen, soybean agronomist on April 6 for the weekly crops and weather update.
The snow that fell over the weekend is not unusual for April in Iowa says Elwynn Taylor. In fact, he tells us, the most recent storm could have been a lot worse if the early rain had been snow.
Tips for Managing Corn Residue in Continuous Corn
By Mahdi Al-Kaisi, Department of Agronomy and Mark Hanna, Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering
Many farmers planning for continuous corn this season are having spring tillage questions because wet conditions and late harvest in many parts of Iowa delayed tillage operations last fall. Farmers now want to know how to approach managing the corn residue, given the potential wet soil conditions and subsequent delay getting to tillage operations this spring.
March 23 Crops and Weather Report
By Doug Cooper, Extension Communications and External Relations
Iowa State University Extension climatologist Elwynn Taylor, integrated pest management specialist Rich Pope and soybean agronomist Palle Pedersen stopped by the studio this week to visit about weather and crops issues.
Elwynn Taylor said dry fields gave way to wet fields as a series of storms moved through Iowa recently. The long term weather points at the possibility of a drier spring this year, and that, Taylor says, would be welcome news.
No-Till is Better Choice for Soybean after Corn
By Mahdi Al-Kaisi , Department of Agronomy and Mark Hanna, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Conventional tillage, whether for corn or soybean, generally has shown limited advantage in yield and economic returns. The exception is a few cases with corn that involve lack of drainage and wet, cold soil conditions.
March 16 Crops and Weather Report
Doug Cooper, Extension communication specialist, gets the latest on the crops and weather outlook from Iowa State University Extension climatologist Elwynn Taylor, integrated pest management specialist Rich Pope, and corn agronomist Roger Elmore.
Elwynn Taylor updates us on what hopefully is the last polar outbreak that may enter Iowa this week. He also says weather conditions this spring could be more favorable than last year, but that is not a sure thing.
March 9 Crops and Weather Report
On March 9, Doug Cooper , Extension communications specialist, interviewed Iowa State University Extension climatologist Elwynn Taylor, integrated pest management specialist Rich Pope and soybean agronomist Palle Pedersen for the weekly crops and weather update.
Extension climatologist Elwynn Taylor tells Cooper the weather patterns are showing an increased risk of a wet spring this year--not unlike 2008. The summer weather could be dry depending on the status of La Niña.
Moving to No-tillage: Challenges and Opportunities
By Mahdi Al-Kaisi, Department of Agronomy
Wet conditions last fall and potential wet conditions this spring make this a good time to consider tillage choices. It is a good time to examine the value of no-till or strip-tillage, especially for producers that have not tried these methods. Before making tillage choices in the field, producers should consider their overall approach to tillage management.