Wet and Dry Extremes Causing Crop Problems

Wet and Dry Extremes Causing Crop Problems

Dan Ritter
Dan Ritter

While some parts of Indiana have seen rain this week, others are still waiting for the promised showers.  The dry conditions are stressing late planted corn fields and causing issues with nitrogen uptake, says Brodbeck Seeds agronomist Dan Ritter. “In some areas where nitrogen has been applied, it is not being taken up into the plant because of the dry conditions,” he said. “There is no moisture moving into the plant to move the nitrogen.” In parts of Southern Indiana where too much rain has been the problem, nitrogen loss has been significant and side dressing will be needed.

Ritter says the wet conditions in the south and the dry conditions central and north are slowing the planting of double crop soybeans, “Fields in the south are too wet and in the north it is too dry, and both extremes are slowing the planting of double crop soybeans.” He added this is adding to the workload of producers who are trying to side dress, spray, and, in some cases, harvest wheat — all at the same time.

Another issue popping up this year increased corn borer infestation. “This is something we expected with more producers not planting BT hybrids this year,” said Ritter. This has given the insect more of a habitat and has increased their numbers this year.  Ritter added this is an issue many growers have not had to deal with for many years.

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