Crops
Corn, soybeans, forages, and small grains are the main crops grown and produced in Iowa. Learn more about the agronomics of growing and storing these crops in Iowa.
Timely Insights on Crop Production
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November 13, 2025Content Author
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Field Agronomists have completed their fall survey of subsoil moisture in northwest Iowa. Subsoil moisture sampling in Iowa dates back to February 1954 when ten sites were chosen for soil moisture sampling. In 1959, the sampling increased to 22 locations, and in 1971, 61 locations were sampled. Today, 18 locations are sampled in northwest Iowa. -
November 12, 2025Content Author
In 2025, commercial foliar fungicides were evaluated across six Iowa State University research and demonstration farms to determine their effect on disease control and yield response on soybeans.
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November 4, 2025Content Author
Soil testing is an essential tool for managing phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and other nutrients. In Iowa and many states, the units reported in a soil test are expressed in parts per million (ppm) of the elements (not oxides P2O5 or K2O, as in fertilizers) of dry or moist soil depending on the test. Different test methods can be used for a specific nutrient.
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October 29, 2025Content Author
As harvest wraps up, grain producers are reminded to actively monitor and manage stored grain. The following articles and resources are available:
Practical Considerations when Reconditioning Overly Dry Soybeans
Time to Cool and Core Storage Bins
Iowa Grain Quality Initiative Training Modules
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October 28, 2025Authors
The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most damaging pathogen of soybeans in Iowa and the entire US. The pathogen warrants more attention and management effort than often is given. SCN is easily detected and quantified from soil samples. An optimum time to collect soil samples from fields is in the fall, after the harvest of corn and soybeans is complete. This article explains how to collect and submit soil samples for SCN testing.
