Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Field Agronomists have completed their spring survey of subsoil moisture in northwest Iowa. Subsoil moisture sampling in Iowa dates 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.

The last week or two has been refreshing with warmer temperatures and pastures beginning to green up. As that green flush appears, it can be tempting to turn animals out too early. However, many pastures across the state have taken a hit in recent years due to drought and/or flooding. As of October 28, 2024, much of the state was still experiencing drought conditions, with soil moisture deficits extending from the surface down to 1.5 feet (Figure 1).

Optimum nitrogen fertilizer rates for corn can vary by more than 100% from field-to-field and year-to-year. This variability is a product of near limitless interactions among crop genetics, management, and environment factors (weather & soil type). Among them, the amount of soil inorganic nitrogen in the soil is one of the most important (Baum et al., 2024).

Optimum nitrogen fertilizer rates for corn can vary by more than 100% from field-to-field and year-to-year. This variability is a product of near limitless interactions among crop genetics, management, and environment factors (weather & soil type). Among them, the amount of soil inorganic nitrogen in the soil is one of the most important (Baum et al., 2024).