With a dry spring hanging over the corn belt, concerns of returned crop stress remain going into the second half of the season. Regional drought monitor maps give reason for this concern as drought lingers in across much of the central US.
US corn and soybeans experienced a relatively fast spring planting season due to dryness that eventually became a flash drought. This raised concerns that another 2012-style drought was upon the corn belt. By the end of June, crop condition ratings from the USDA had plummeted to levels worse than 2012. However, the weather pattern started to change the last week of June, bringing a more favorable precipitation outlook. This and the cooler temperatures since the middle of June have held off major yield losses from crop stress.
Corn was planted early, but showed a significant drop in condition from May through June compared to other years.
Soybeans were also planted early, but showed a significant drop in condition from May through June compared to other years.
For agricultural spraying activities, the drier May and June allowed most all planned herbicide applications to take place but did limit some soil-applied herbicides from activating after application. The recent rains have caused a late flush of weeds at crop canopy closure and some need for additional post-emergence applications.
The efficacy of corn fungicide applications came under discussion due to the dry conditions experienced in mid-June. But now, with the return of storm activity and better yield prospects, fungicides are more likely to be applied as planned.
While some areas are experiencing relief much of the US is still experiencing some form of drought. The maps below compare drought intensity June 20th to July 18th in the Midwest, High Plains, and Southern regions.
While drought pressure has reduced intensity across much of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan, the Midwest is not out of the woods. Missouri and select areas in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin have continued or increased intensity to severe, extreme, or exceptional drought. University of Nebraska Lincoln Drought Monitor
While there are still many abnormally dry areas, moderate, severe, extreme, and exceptional drought has decreased across the High Plains. University of Nebraska Lincoln Drought Monitor
The South has shown little improvement as drought intensity continues to increase across the board. University of Nebraska Lincoln Drought Monitor
While much of the West is experiencing a higher percentage of rainfall, much of the Midwest remains drier than normal.
From now on, crops will need weekly rainfall to avoid crop stress due to low subsoil moisture reserves. At this moment, the longer-term forecasts look warmer and drier to the end of July. This leaves some concern that the major crop stress that occurred in June could return.
Amid an exceptionally dry spring, lingering concerns arise that crop stress may resurface as forecasts predict warm and dry weather to persist throughout July. Many applications have taken place, but weather conditions have limited their effectiveness causing reapplication in some cases. As the end of the season approaches, retaining moisture and continued precipitation will be key factors for a successful crop year.
Exacto is pleased to announce the appointment of Malin Westfall as Chief Commercial Officer. Exacto, LLC (“Exacto”), a full-service innovation partner in the agricultural, turf, and ornamental horticulture markets, is pleased to announce the appointment of Malin Westfall as Chief Commercial Officer, effective immediately.
Wielding his 35 years of experience, Mark Mahady provides insight on irrigation and water conservation, turf and soil moisture management, wetting agents, surfactants, and other related topics in this edition of Cutting-Edge Perspectives.
Revolutionize how you care for turf with effective solutions including wetting agents RPO™, Wishbone™, and the innovative AquiMax® Sprayable water management product. We’re excited to introduce these breakthroughs in turf management with approval for use in multiple states, including California.
With tightening EPA regulations and increased label restrictions on dicamba, Corteva’s Enlist One® and Enlist Duo® are seeing increased adoption. As more growers make the change, choosing the right adjuvants to use with Enlist One and Enlist Duo is key to ensuring optimum weed control.
Explore UW-Madison’s turf research studies from the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association Field Day. Dr. Soldat’s Soil Science Program showcased an athletic field management study comparing conventional & organic approaches. Dr. Koch’s Plant Pathology Program highlighted a leaf mulching study.
Turf needs water to survive. If not managed effectively, soil moisture can cause consistent problems such as water-repellancy that create dry patches, inconsistent turf appearance, and in severe cases, complete loss of turf. Turf wetting agents help move water into the soil, improve uniformity, and increase moisture retention.
Soil water management plays a big role in both agriculture and turf industries, but turf holds secrets to advancements in moisture management technology that haven’t reached agriculture yet. Agricultural wetting agents are here and ready to help farmers manage water and keep moisture in the soil.
As the heat of summer nears, so does the threat of fungal diseases infecting turf. Planning a fungicide application with adjuvants based on environmental conditions and the turf ecosystem can improve fungicide effectiveness.
Fungicides are an important part of plant health, protecting crops from disease. Corn tar spot, southern corn rust, and frogeye leaf spot are a few diseases that can be costly if not treated with an effective fungicide application. Planning an application with adjuvants specifically targeting these diseases is imperative to reducing disease pressure.
This site uses cookies and other tracking technologies to assist with navigation, monitor site usage, and web traffic, assist with our marketing efforts, customize and improve our services and websites, as set out in our Privacy Notice.