Search

Dry spring field conditions cause concern for field fires

April 2, 2021 1:30 PM
Blog Post

The recent dry conditions across the state, carried through from the 2020 growing season, has created an environment in which field fires are of concern this spring if current conditions continue to persist.  Strong winds can increase problems by acting as a catalyst, drying crop residue, enhancing the chances for a fire to be started, and increasing the scope of the fire if it’s already been ignited.

Estimating losses when cornstalk fields are accidentally burnt

Encyclopedia Article

In some dry fall and winter periods, fires can move accidentally into cornstalk fields. Regis Voss, Iowa State University soil fertility extension specialist (now deceased), wrote an article for the May 14, 1993 ICM Newsletter on mineral element losses when cornstalks burn. Following is that article. Much of the information in the article is still relevant today. Additional considerations are also provided following the article, including explanation of changes from the original article, like nitrogen (N) concentration of corn vegetation and sulfur (S).

Category: 
Crop: 

Dry fall conditions can lead to field fires

Encyclopedia Article

This article is an update of an ICM News article originally written in the fall of 2000. Hot temperatures and dry conditions can result in tinder dry crops and residue. As a result accidental field fires can occur. What makes these fires noteworthy is that crops can be so dry that fires flash quickly and burn standing corn and soybean, and even soybean stubble. These fires lead to questions about potential nutrient and crop dry matter losses.

Category: 

Fire prevention and management tips during harvest

October 20, 2015 2:45 PM
Blog Post

By Clarke McGrath and Mark Hanna

It’s always difficult to forecast weather, but if dry field conditions persist, the potential for combine and field fires this fall will continue to be a problem. There have already been dozens of significant field fires around the state, including a fire yesterday near Harlan that required five departments to contain the situation. All it takes is a single high-temperature source in the engine area, or an overheated bearing to ignite dry plant material.
firefighters

Category: