This spring's weather has resulted in an unusually slow start to the growing season, especially when compared with the past two years. In springs like these, field operations are condensed and there may be temptation to skip some of the field preparation to get acres planted in a timely manner. This article will address considerations for herbicide applications in these situations.
In a sudden turn of weather events, there have been several severe storms in the northeast and east central crop reporting districts of Iowa. These storms have created the potential for grain quality problems; of the most immediate need for action are those corn and soybean fields that have been flooded above the grain level. Fields with lodging will have more grain susceptible to flooding.
Mother Nature has not been a friend to farmers this spring, making the 2019 planting season a challenging one to say the least. According to the June 3, 2019 USDA-NASS Crop Progress and Condition Report, approximately 80% of the expected corn crop has been planted and 58% has emerged across the state. On the soybean side, approximately 41% of the expected soybean has been plated and 17% has emerged across the state.
Earlier this spring, we discussed using the PEAQ method (Predictive Equations for Alfalfa Quality) to help determine when to harvest first crop alfalfa. Looking at the PEAQ measurements made around the state, we are getting close to taking the first crop alfalfa.
Farmers across the state took advantage of the little dry spell that occurred last week. Approximately 70% of the expected corn crop and 27% of the soybean crop in Iowa has been planted according to the May 20 USDA-NASS Crop Progress and Condition Report.
This year continues the chain of years with unusual harvest conditions driven by rapid weather changes in the latter part of the growing season. In mid August, crops were significantly ahead of schedule in terms of maturity. Heat and moisture in May and June accelerated the pace of development, to the point that signs of maturity were evident by the 15th of August.
By Alison Robertson, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology
By Mahdi Al-Kaisi, Department of Agronomy
When conventional application equipment can be moved through the field injection of anhydrous ammonia or urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) solutions top the list of best options.
By Mahdi Al-Kaisi, Department of Agronomy and Mark Hanna, Department of Agricultural and BioSystems Engineering
