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Wet weather raises corn quality concerns

Encyclopedia Article

19 Oct 2007 -

Rain has caused significant delays and potential damage to the Iowa corn crop. As of Oct. 14, 63 percent of the nearly 14 million acres of corn in the state remained mature yet unharvested. Little has been harvested since then.

Several Iowa State University (ISU) Extension crop and grain quality experts offer advice on how to handle the extreme moisture affecting the unharvested corn crop in Iowa. 

Current Conditions

Category: 
Crop Production
Crop: 
Corn
Tags: 
wet weather
corn quality
field grain quality
stalk quality
standability
grain storage
livestock feed

Nitrogen losses after the heavy rains

Encyclopedia Article

The recent heavy rains have raised questions about nitrogen (N) losses. In wet field areas it is common to find off-color corn, but that does not necessarily equate to N shortage. So be careful as you initially are seeing plant response to wet conditions (slowed root activity and growth). The amount of N taken up by corn to the V6 stage is small (about 20 pounds N per acre, so pale-yellow color is now due to wet conditions). Before a decision is made to apply supplemental N, you should consider the potential productivity remaining after soils have dried.

Category: 
Soil Fertility
Crops: 
Corn
Soybean
Cover Crop
Tags: 
nitrogen loss
rain
wet weather