Bean Leaf Beetle
Soybean bean leaf beetles (BLB) may be a threat to soybeans due to the potential for large, overwintered adult populations favored by the mild winter conditions. Early planted fields are at risk from BLB.
Cold Temperature Damage to Small Corn
Recent weather patterns have exposed corn to cold temperatures. Understanding the effects of these weather conditions on corn at different growth stages can help determine the best management options. Additionally, waiting three to five days after the weather event can allow for a more accurate assessment of plant health.
Managing High-Residue and Soil Conditions this Spring
Planting conditions influence seedling emergence and corn growth throughout the season. Soil moisture, temperature, and structure, as well as residue cover are factors to be weighed against planting date. Last year’s compaction and dense layers created within the soil cannot be corrected when soils are wet, and tillage implements and planters should be operated on dry ground to avoid compounding such problems. The way heavy residue is managed in high-yielding, corn on corn systems depends on soil conditions and available equipment.
Insect Resistance Management in Corn
A corn refuge is the key component of an Insect Resistance Management (IRM) plan. Proper implementation of an IRM plan is important and mandatory for corn products that contain B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis) technology or insect protection traits. Grower compliance is critical to the success of an IRM plan, and new requirements have been incorporated in refuge assurance programs for the 2012 growing season.
Seed Size and Shape Issues in Corn
Questions arise every year regarding effects of seed size and shape on plantability and yield potential. Following manufacturers’ recommendations and considering tools to enhance plantability can help limit the risk of poor plantability. If plantability concerns related to seed size are managed properly, the effect of seed size may not significantly affect yield potential under most conditions.
Soybean Fertility Management
Nutrients are required for water transport and photosynthesis processes, and protein and oil production in the plant. Nutrient deficiencies are one of the causes of leaf discoloration and/or chlorosis that might be observed in a soybean field and can decrease plant growth and reduce yield potential. It is beneficial to understand the function of a nutrient and identify deficiency symptoms to know when to apply corrective steps. Diagnoses from visible symptoms should be confirmed with results from soil tests and plant tissue analysis in some cases.
Corn Starter Fertilizer with Sulfur or Zinc
Higher corn yields mean more minor nutrients are removed from the soil; thus, minor nutrient deficiencies may occur. Starter fertilizer is one way to help ensure nutrient availability to the crop early in the season. While sulfur (S) and zinc (Zn) are needed in smaller quantities than nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), it is important to acknowledge their contribution to corn development. Including S or Zn with starter fertilizer is being examined as a way to improve yield potential.
Agronomic Spotlight – Corn Starter Fertilizer with Sulfur or Zinc
Planting Small-Seeded Soybeans
Like most other things in agriculture, soybean seed size is determined by the interaction of genetics and environment. Hot and dry conditions, such as those experienced in some parts of the U.S. during the 2011 growing season, can result in smaller seed. Planting smaller seed may require adjustments to planting equipment.
Integrated Management for Sudden Death Syndrome in Soybean
Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is considered one of the top four yield robbing diseases in soybeans. Yield losses from SDS have ranged from slight to nearly 100%, depending on disease onset and severity. Average yield losses in the United States were estimated at $190 million a year. Managing SDS includes several steps to potentially reduce its impact on soybean yield potential.
Agronomic Spotlight – Integrated Management for Sudden Death Syndrome in Soybean
Managing the Effects of Crop Residue in Continuous Corn
Crop residue in continuous corn can be difficult to manage. If residue is not dealt with, it can decrease seed to soil contact, emergence, and vigor. Residue can also tie up nitrogen (N) during much of the season making it unavailable to the corn crop. Additionally, residue can harbor disease pathogens. While the speed of residue degradation is heavily influenced by weather and the environment, there are actions that can be taken during and after harvest, as well as in the spring to help decrease the negative effects of excessive crop residue.
Agronomic Spotlight – Managing the Effects of Crop Residue in Continuous Corn