PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA, NE PERMIT NO. 36
Volume VI, Statewide Issue 3
June 2012
Lack of moisture a common concern Extension crop specialists provide update on crops by Greg Forbes A warm spring led to an early planting season throughout the state of Iowa. Unfortunately, many fields and farms have experienced an inhibiting lack of rainfall. Iowa State University Extension crop specialists and field agronomists throughout the state gave updates on how fields in their regions have responded to the early growing season, lack of moisture and other crop production factors. Black Hawk County (Northeast Iowa) Terry Basol, an ISU Extension field agronomist stationed Black Hawk County, said the spring allowed an early planting season which has led to an early growing season. “We are about 100 units ahead of a normal season,” Basol said. In fact, Basol expected to see silk on corn ahead of schedule, but the advancement of crop growth depends on moisture. “Moisture has been a concern from the start. We were a little dry from the get go as far as the soil moisture profile,” Basol said. “Right now, we are about
two to three inches of rain from where we should be.” Basol explained that, aside from crops, weeds also need to receive more precipitation, but not to grow. Dry weather has been a challenge to farmers because herbicidal treatments need water to activate. Also, the warmer and drier the weather, the thicker the weed’s protective cuticle will grow. The cuticle, which is a wax barrier, prevents herbicides from penetrating the plant. Basol said all factors to battle weeds boil down to the need of moisture. “There’s a much better chance for weed control with good growing conditions and good moisture,” Basol said. Black Hawk County, as well as northeast Iowa in general, did not experience the benefit of mid-June’s rainfall throughout much of Iowa. Basol said leaves in some of the fields have begun to show moisture stress. “There has been moisture that has fallen throughout the state, which is good, but for some reason we are in a dry pocket,” Basol commented. The lack of rain has also caused major root problems in area fields. Roots have not been able to form well, if at all, which has caused some corn crops to fail. Currently, Basol said farmers can only hold out for hope. “Right now, we are just hoping for rain to alleviate the stress on crops,” he said. CROP PROGRESS...Page 10