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Do we need to think about conserving soil moisture prior to planting?

March 12, 2024 10:00 AM
Blog Post

It most certainly has been a strange winter with very little moisture. This fact, combined with a multi-year drought has people concerned for spring planting. Most farmers I have talked to this winter have shared concerns about not only the lack of precipitation, but the lack of soil moisture. And while we had outstanding yields in some places in 2023 even with drought conditions, I would point out there is one major difference shaping up so far for 2024.

Beware of Dry Conditions When Soil Sampling and Interpreting Test Results

October 5, 2022
Soil testing in dry soils

October began dry across most of Iowa except for some areas in southern and southeast Iowa. These conditions are allowing for rapid harvest progress. The outlook for the rest of the month calls for lower than normal rainfall. Below normal rainfall since August until the soil sampling time may result in lower than expected soil test results for phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and pH. Therefore, farmers and crop consultants should interpret those soil test results with caution.

Preemergence Herbicides, Dry Soils and Rain

April 6, 2021
‘Preemergence herbicides need rain to be effective’

The potential for continued dry weather across the state raises concerns about the impact of dry soils on preemergence herbicides. Preemergence herbicides kill weeds by being absorbed into the seed as the seed imbibes water. To be effective, the herbicide must be located within the soil profile at the depth where weed seeds germinate (primarily the upper inch of soil). In addition, there must be sufficient water to keep the herbicide dissolved in soil water. Both factors can be adversely affected by limited rain early in the season.

Corn and Dry Soils at Planting, Looking ahead to 2012 - Part III

January 31, 2012
Years where simulated yields of lower plant population were greater than that of the higher plant population as affected by whether soils were dry or wet at planting

Part III: Plant population changes?


By Roger Elmore, Department of Agronomy


Dry conditions persist in many parts of Iowa as documented in Part I of this series. In areas of the Corn Belt with poorer soils and/or reduced rainfall, farmers typically reduce plant populations to compensate for the conditions. Is that something we should consider in Iowa if conditions remain dry at planting?

What if it is dry at planting in 2012, should you consider lower plant populations?

Crop: 

Corn and Dry Soils at Planting, Looking Ahead to 2012 - Part I

January 31, 2012
Hybrid-maize model input factors that were the same across locations

Part I: Yield prediction with dry conditions at planting

By Roger Elmore, Department of Agronomy

Dry conditions persist in many parts of Iowa. As of Jan. 30, modeled volumetric root-zone soil water in the northwestern half of the state was one-third or less (see Mesonet map).  Elwynn Taylor, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach climatologist, indicates there is some probability that these dry conditions will persist.

What if it is dry at planting in 2012?

Crop: