The application of micronutrients during early crop growth stages can result in some yield increase. That’s why we recommend tissue testing for farmers, who are interested in pushing their yield goals.
When combined with soil testing and yield data, tissue sampling gives us a more complete picture of what nutrients the plant is using and where deficiencies exist. It’s a “real time” look at what nutrient levels are within a plant. Tissue testing is a very useful tool to determine macronutrient uptake including Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potash (K). It also helps determine micro-nutrient uptake including Zinc (Zn), Boron (B), Sulfur (S), Maganese (Mn), Copper (Cu) and Iron (Fe).
Tissue sampling can be done at any stage, however, we recommend testing at these three times during the growing season:
Corn: V4-V6, V14 to tassel, and R2
Soybeans: V3, R1, and Pod Fill
For more information about tissue testing, contact the trusted professionals associated with Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. Call 1.877.GO.LATHAM (1.877.465.2842) today to get yours scheduled!
Tanner Bohman and Gary Bennett work to put in the last of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds research acres.
Three weeks ago Iowa farmers, including researchers like yours truly, were wondering when the fields would dry and soil temperatures would rise enough to make conditions suitable for planting.
Thankfully, the weather pattern changed! As a result, the USDA’s May 15th crop report shows Iowa farmers have planted 92% of this year’s corn crop as compared to 96% this same time last year. Iowa farmers have planted 47% of this year’s bean crop as of May 15, compared to 52% in 2010, according to this same report.
Planting will be complete, for the most part, before the next weekly crop report gets issued. And our research acres are no exception. Four straight days of sunshine and 70-degree temperatures has allowed us to cover a lot of ground. Gary Bennett, who has served as Latham’s research technician for 25 years, has already planted Latham research plots in Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota.
This week Gary’s main focus has been planting plots at our company headquarters. He’s been assisted by our summer intern Tanner Bohman, who drove the tractor while Gary placed the seed. Tanner is from Alexander, Iowa, and just finished his junior year at Iowa State University where he’s majoring in Ag Studies with a minor in Agronomy. Tanner’s background and interests are a good fit for Latham’s Seed2Soil® program, so much of his time this summer will be spent working with Latham customers who are participating in this program.
As soon as the planting is done, Tanner’s focus will turn to grid sampling. Right after planting is the perfect time to grid sample. Soil sample data gathered now could help you adjust the timing of fertilizer applications during the growing season, plus it will leave you with one less thing to worry about while you’re in the combine next fall.
There’s still time to enroll your acres into Latham’s Seed2Soil program. We can work with your existing grid samples, or we can gather the data needed. You can also benefit from this program even if you’re not yet a Latham customer. Check out our Website and also feel free to contact me for more information.
Black cutworm larval activity in Iowa may occur for an extended period of time this season, according to data collected from black cutworm traps in 64 Iowa counties. Fields of higher risk to black cutworm include those that are poorly drained and low lying; those next to areas of natural vegetation; and those that are weedy or have reduced tillage. Black cutworm also may cause more damage in fields where corn is planted later.
In a recent Integrated Crop Management News article, Iowa State University Extension entomologists urge corn farmers to scout fields weekly until the corn reaches V5 stage. Examine 50 corn plants in five areas of each field. Look for plants with wilting, leaf discoloration and damage, and those that are either missing or are cut off at the soil surface. Note areas with suspected damage and return later to assess further damage. Larvae can be found by carefully excavating the soil around a damaged plant.
“What if you’ve applied an insecticide mixed with a herbicide when you made your weed control application? Should you still scout for cutworms? ‘The answer is yes,’ says Erin Hodgson, an Iowa State University Extension entomologist, in a recent Wallaces Farmer article. ‘Actually, preventative black cutworm insecticide treatments applied as a tank-mix with herbicides are of questionable worth. Black cutworm is a sporadic pest and therefore every field should be scouted to determine the presence of the insect prior to spraying insecticides. The scouting and rescue treatment approach is the best strategy’.”
To help determine the threshold for treatment, the ISU Corn-Soybean Initiative has developed an Excel spreadsheet to serve as a dynamic decision-making tool.
Many Midwest farmers will wrap up the 2011 planting season this week, but there won’t be much rest for the weary. As soon as seed is in the ground, it’s a good idea to start scouting fields.
Post-planting is an ideal time to begin scouting one’s crops. Many soilborne pathogens strike as soon as the seed begins to take on water; others strike young seedlings. Because seeds can germinate quickly and emerge in 3 – 5 days, it’s not too soon to start walking your fields.
Check plant populations, evaluate stands and be on the lookout for early summer diseases. Is there a germination problem? Do you see effects of chilling or crusting?
Assessing your situation ASAP will allow you to formulate a plan while there’s still plenty of time to implement it. You could replant in parts or in all of a field now, so you can attain the yields and returns you want this fall. Information on corn replanting decisions is available from www.agronext.iastate.edu/corn. Click on the “Planting” topic, then click on the “Replant Decision Aid Calculator” tab and use that tool and related information to help make a replant decision. For a resource on soybean replanting decisions, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/publications/pm1851.pdf.
Another benefit of evaluating current stands is to help you determine what adjustments should be made before planting next year’s crop: Do you need to adjust your planter settings or your planting speed?
Once you get past the mechanical issues, look at the disease pressure. If soybeans are damping off, perhaps next season you should opt for seed-applied fungicides? Do you need to pay closer attention to a particular soybean brand or corn hybrid’s disease rating? Seed selection is one of the most important decisions affecting yield. Click here for tips on selecting soybean brands and selecting corn hybrids.
What a difference one week makes! A weekly survey shows 69% of Iowa’s 2011 corn crop was planted as of May 8 compared to only 8% on May 1.
Yesterday, while being interviewed as part of Latham’s Crop Tour, Latham® dealer Mike Aldinger said he finally started planting his corn on Monday, May 2. He finished planting the last of his corn acres Monday, May 9, on his farm near Iowa Falls, Iowa, in the North Central part of this state.
Without delay, Mike started planting his 2011 soybean crop. Going straight from planting corn to soybeans appears to be the trend this season, but it has caused many farmers to question whether it’s the right thing to do. Optimal soil temperatures for soybean germination and growth is a minimum of 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit, and soil temperatures statewide are averaging well above that this week.
“Last year many soybeans were planted in mid-to-late April in absolutely perfect soil and weather conditions. Then cold, rainy conditions followed,” John Holmes, Iowa State University Extension crop specialist at Clarion in north central Iowa, was quoted in yesterday’s Wallaces Farmer article.
That’s why it’s important for farmers to take a look not only at current weather conditions but also at the short-term forecast. If the seedbed is suitable, we’re encouraging our customers to start planting soybeans without delay.
Soil temperatures have climbed an average of 1 degree daily for the past three days in a row in Franklin County, Iowa. And, soil temperatures should only continue to climb thanks to 90-degree temps yesterday and highs in the 80s and 70s forecast for the next two days. The five-day forecast calls for temperatures to cool slightly and for rain to set in late this week, so it appears there is a window of opportunity to plant soybeans now. Why not take it?
Certainly this year is starting out to favor the Pythium species that are more prevalent in cool, wet soils. While Pythium and Fusarium are usually limited to damaging the early seedling stage of development, Phytophthora can be a season-long problem. I have also noticed that Rhizoctonia can linger in the soils and cause damage at a later time.
Pathogens can start infecting the seed as soon as it begins to take in water, which is the very first step in the process toward germination and emergence. It doesn’t, however, stop there. As that seed continues to absorb water, swell and develop a hypocotyl, pathogens can attack and destroy the seedling even after emergence.
The good news is these four particular soybean pathogens can be managed very well by using seed-applied fungicides like Latham’s SoyShield. Note that Dr. Robertson references using a combination of active ingredients, which is exactly what SoyShield is – and it was specifically designed with that in mind.
Benefits of seed treatments far outweigh the costs. In a wet, cool planting season like this, fungicide-treated seed is a must to prevent damping off from Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Phytopthora and Fusarium.
After unseasonably wet, cold weather this spring, farmers are eager to get their seed in the ground but they must be conscientious of soil compaction. We understand their sense of urgency, but we also know they’ll have better results if they wait for more suitable field conditions.
The best rule of thumb is to let the field dry before doing fieldwork. Use a quick field test to check the soil moisture: mold a length of soil between your index finger and thumb, or roll it into a ball in your hand. Observe whether the soil breaks apart as you work it. If you toss the ball of soil into the air and it shatters or cracks upon falling to the ground, then conditions are likely suitable for tillage or planting.
Working soils that are too wet this spring could have negative impacts on your crops during the growing season including: stunted plant growth; slow infiltration of water and/or ponding; high surface runoff and soil erosion under normal or light rainfall; poor root system establishment; and nutrient deficiency.
To reduce or minimize soil compaction:
Avoid working wet soil. Soil is most susceptible to compaction when it’s saturated and cannot absorb any more water. Use the quick field test method above to access the soil conditions, and begin planting or working the soil only if the proper conditions exist.
Reduce tillage. Crop residue can intercept raindrops and prevent the soil surface from sealing and compacting.
Use the right implements. The degree of compaction is determined by the moisture content of the soil, as well as the weight of the equipment in the field. Reduce the weight on each axle, choose wider tires and adjust air pressure to reduce the load on the soil surface. Iowa State University research shows that using equipment with 6 pounds per square inch (psi) of surface pressure yielded 9 bushels per acre more than equipment with 16 psi.
Soil compaction can be avoided with better management. For more information, click here to download Iowa State University Extension’s publication, Understanding & Managing Soil Compaction.
Peter Bixel, Seed2Soil powered by Sci Max representative
With increasing input costs and strong market prices, many farmers are asking about Variable Rate Planting as a way to make the most efficient use of their seed while increasing their overall yield.
“The complexity of this technology can be intimidating to farmers but variable rate planting can pay off and the research proves it,” said Dustin Blunier of Precision Planting based in Tremont, Ill., in a recent Iowa Farmer Today article.
According to 2009-2010 data from SciMax Solutions, farmers who followed recommendations for Variable Rate Planting saw an 8-bushel yield increase on marginal ground and a 4-bushel per acre increase on better ground of similar soil types.
Variable rate planting has proven successful on Latham® dealer Frank Wyatt’s farm in northeast Iowa. He says they’ve been able to identify ways to save time and money, as well as maximize yields.
“In the spring of 2010, we had a lot of equipment running that was providing lots of information from chemical application records to yield data,” says Frank. “We were challenged by how to organize all of that data and use it to make better decisions on the farm. That’s when we decided to implement variable rate planting through the Seed2Soil program.”
Variable rate plantingis a viable option for any farmer with a properly equipped planter. Below are a few steps that can be taken to help ensure your variable rate planting recommendations are as accurate as possible:
Conduct Grid Sampling. Taking 2.5-acre grid samples will take your soil sample data and yield data to the next level. The benefits of grid sampling far outweigh the costs, and when managed properly, it can actually make money by increasing yield in certain areas.
Organize Data. If you’re like most growers, you already have years of yield data, fertilizer application records and chemical application records. An important step in variable rate planting is to organize years’ worth of yield data, fertilizer application records and chemical application records. This will help you identify “A through D zones,” which allows you to manage areas differently. The A zones typically have better yields and offer a strong return on investment; the C or D zones are very inconsistent and aren’t really strong-producing areas.
Form a Partnership. To put variable rate planting to work on your farm, make sure there’s solid communication between your seed advisor, technology advisor, and you! Growers often know their land better than the data does, so it’s important to take a “team approach” to ensure the right steps are being taken to put the most effective plan into action.
For more information about Variable Rate Planting, contact the trusted experts at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.
Peter Bixel, Seed2Soil powered by Sci Max representative
It all starts with the soil, whether you’re growing grain or vegetables. Knowing what the soil is capable of is very important to reach your field’s yield potential and to make the best use of inputs.
Learn how to better place fertilizer and to better time fertilizer applications with information gleaned from Latham’s hallmark Seed2Soil® program, powered by SciMax. Grid sampling takes your soil sample data and your yield data to the next level. We highly recommend 2.5 acre grids for our grid sampling protocol.
A great time to have your acres grid sampled is right after planting. Soil sample data gathered this spring could help you adjust the timing of your fertilizer applications during the growing season, plus it will leave you with one less thing to worry about while you’re in the combine next fall. After finding out what the soil test results are, you can start planning for the next crop and have it in place by September.
We’re able to use actual yield data for crop removal values, soil sample test values, and management zones for recommendations. We can also use Learning Blocks to measure the most economic return on your investment. A learning block is put within an area with a high or low rate of nutrients. We can also help you determine the correct amount of nitrogen for your field through our variable rate Nitrogen program which has its own trade secret.
The benefits of grid sampling far out-weigh the costs. In fact, when managed properly, grid sampling can make you money by increasing yield and identifying areas where you can push plant populations. Learn more about grid soil sampling by contacting trusted experts at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.
While there are many benefits to planting early, planting too early can have negative impact on yield. Planting in soils that are too cold or too wet will cause seeds to sit dormant and become more vulnerable to diseases, insects and animal predators.
Let soil temperatures and soil conditions – not the calendar – dictate your planting date. For a map of current soil conditions throughout Iowa, click here. We recommend waiting until soil temperatures in a region reach between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit before you plant soybeans or 50 degrees before you plant corn. Remember, soil temperature for soybean planting is more critical than for corn. The main reason for this is because soybeans can germinate in a soil environment of about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, but if the air temperature after germination hits 28 degrees Fahrenheit or less, the young seedling can be killed with the growing point of the plant right at emergence. Adversely for corn, the growing point stays under the surface until much later.
If planting conditions aren’t fit for planting, yield may be sacrificed due to:
Chilling Injury – Imbibitional chilling can negatively affect both corn and soybeans.This happens often when farmers jump the gun and plant in soils that are too cold. For a seed to germinate, it must absorb water, which usually happens within a few hours of planting. If the water is too cold, tissue damage will occur within the seedling and will either kill it or drastically slow down emergence. This can allow diseases and other problems to enter. Typical symptoms of chilling injury may include a swollen seed that has not germinated, as well as a fragile or absent primary root.
Soil Compaction – If mud sticks to your tires and ruts are deeper than an inch, the field is too wet to work. Compaction will likely result, causing decreased germination, root and plant growth, as well as nutrient uptake.
Soil Crusting – Wet soil at planting can cause a crusted layer to form, which may delay or prevent seedling emergence. Soybean hypocotyls can easily break as they push through the crust, which may result in significant stand reductions and lower yield potential.
