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By Elwynn Taylor, Department of Agronomy
It only takes a glance at the year’s (water year begins in October) precipitation map to identify the region of ABNORMAL wetness. The record setting floods of 2008 are no surprise in light of the records. If it seems that high water years in the Midwest are increasingly common since about 1970; they are.
By Mike Owen and Bob Hartzler, Department of Agronomy
Weeds have continued to grow thus making the application of POST herbicides imperative despite the slow development of the corn crop. However, it is also important to follow the size restrictions that exist on the herbicide label, particularly given that corn is under stress due to the poor growing conditions.
By Jay Harmon, Department of Agricultural and BioSystems Engineering
Once the water recedes after a flood there are many things that need to be dealt with before putting a building back in service. These involve dealing with safety issues, service issues and other efforts that will prolong the life of the building.
By Stephen K. Barnhart, Department of Agronomy and Mark Hanna, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Rain, wind, hail, and unavoidable harvest delays have led to lodged and flat hayfields across the state. This is not usually a concern in more normal seasons, but if it occurs, producers have to manage for and around it.
A ‘bright side’ of delayed harvest is that the forage plants have longer to accumulate carbohydrate ‘stores’ and maintain plant vigor.
This year the corn growth is behind, and with the wet soils some fields will be sampled later than normal. Late sampling may complicate test interpretation.
By Robert Burns, Department of Ag and Biosystem Engineering
During excessively high rainfall periods Iowa producers with open manure storages should closely monitor manure levels to prevent these structures from over-topping.
By Palle Pedersen and Roger Elmore, Department of Agronomy
Excessive rainfall in Iowa over the last 2 months has challenged most farmers, agronomists, extension workers, and researchers. With another front of storms moving into Iowa today (June 11) we do not know when we will be able to get back into the fields. Our best estimate is that it will first be next week at the earliest.
By George Cummins, Iowa State University Extension
By Stephen K. Barnhart, Department of Agronomy
By John Sawyer, Department of Agronomy
One method to judge nitrogen (N) loss is to calculate an estimate. Predicting the exact amount is quite difficult as many factors affect losses. However, estimates can provide guidance for supplemental N applications.
