Planting Pointers
New tool available to determine replanting decisions
A “Corn Replanting Decision Tool” has been released as part of the University of Illinois’ FAST series of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Mathematical functions in this tool estimate yields from the original and replanted stands. Estimated yields, along with cost and crop insurance information, then are used to calculate net income from replanting.
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Should you switch corn variety maturity?
Due to recent wet weather across parts of the Corn Belt, growers anxiously await planting the 2011 corn crop. These delays can limit the number of growing days from the crop, prompting questions about switching to earlier hybrids.
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New spreadsheet helps farmers make wise decisions
It’s decision-making time again for farmers, and the recent wet weather only complicates these issues. Should I delay planting corn? If I do, how will that decision affect the yield later? Should I consider switching from corn to soybeans?
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Disease considerations in continuous corn
When corn is planted back into corn residue, you should be aware of the increased potential for certain diseases, says Doug Jardine, Kansas State University research and extension plant pathologist. Not all diseases are affected by crop rotation, however.
Following is a brief summary from Jardine of how soil and leaf diseases differ between continuous corn and rotated corn:
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The benefit of shorter alfalfa rotations
Producers of alfalfa may be asking whether it’s time to rotate their alfalfa production to another crop. The value of each crop produced should be considered before the decision is made for the 2011 crop, suggests Phil Kaatz, Michigan State University extension forage educator.
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Should corn be planted early in cold soils?
Soil conditions in Illinois are among the best ever seen during the first week of April, says University of Illinois extension agronomist Emerson Nafziger. But the question remains: should you plant corn early when the soil is still cold?
Nafziger says yes, but with a few cautions.
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Planting methods for successful alfalfa establishment
Alfalfa is one of the major forage crops in dairy and livestock production as well as an expensive crop to establish. Therefore, it’s important to establish alfalfa successfully by following important steps of planting alfalfa from variety selection to planting, says Doo-Hong Min, Michigan State University extension agronomist.
He offers the following recommendations to increase your odds of success:
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Proper nitrogen application timing for corn
The goal of timing nitrogen (N) applications to corn is to supply adequate N when the crop needs it without supplying excess that potentially can be lost, say experts at Pioneer Hi-Bred.
Because N reactions in the soil are closely linked to both temperature and moisture conditions, this goal often is hard to achieve. Applying N at multiple times, including the time of maximum crop uptake, can spread the risk of N loss and crop deficiency, improve profitability by reducing N rates and benefit the environment.
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Plan ahead for forage success this spring
Successful forage establishment or harvest is usually a result of thoughtful planning prior to the spring, reminds Phil Kaatz, Michigan State University extension forage educator.
Taking the time to put a plan together will pay dividends to the novice as well as the experienced forage producer, he notes.
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Don’t forget to manage micronutrients
Because of higher yields, higher commodity prices and higher costs of crop inputs, growers are reviewing all potential barriers to crop growth and production, including micronutrient deficiencies. Check out this edition of Pioneer Hi-Bred’s Crop Insights that discusses general micronutrient requirements, deficiency symptoms, soil and plant sampling and fertilization practices.
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Will corn following corn face issues this year?
The 2010 season was a disappointing one for corn growers in many parts of Illinois, says University of Illinois Extension agronomist Emerson Nafziger. With a statewide average yield of only 157 bushels per acre, just 4.2 bushels higher than the U.S. average, and the third-worst yield in the past decade, many Illinois producers are hoping for a more bountiful 2011.
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