|
|
|
|
EPA Announces Updates for Dicamba Label
The EPA recently added new requirements to the dicamba label to further minimize damage to non-target crops resulting from dicamba used on dicamba-tolerant crops (over-the-top applications). These bullets are taken from https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/registration-dicamba-use-dicamba-tolerant-crops#q2. The short message is this: stay tuned as states and companies are trying to figure out what this all means.
- Only certified applicators may apply dicamba over the top (those working under the supervision of a certified applicator may no longer make applications).
- Prohibit over-the-top application of dicamba on soybeans 45 days after planting and cotton 60 days after planting. NOTE: The label includes a growth stage restriction, and has been moved earlier in the season. The initial labels stated that dicamba could be applied up to and including the R1 growth stage, now it states that dicamba must be applied prior to beginning bloom (R1) or no more than 45 days after planting, whichever comes first.
- For cotton, limit the number of over-the-top applications from 4 to 2 (soybeans remain at 2 OTT applications).
- Applications will be allowed only from 1 hour after sunrise to 2 hours before sunset.
- In counties where endangered species may exist, the downwind buffer will remain at 110 feet and there will be a new 57-foot buffer around the other sides of the field (the 110-foot downwind buffer applies to all applications, not just in counties where endangered species may exist).
- Clarify training period for 2019 and beyond, ensuring consistency across all three products.
- Enhanced tank clean-out instructions for the entire system.
- Enhanced label to improve applicator awareness on the impact of low pH’s on the potential volatility of dicamba.
- Label clean up and consistency to improve compliance and enforceability.
Soil Sampling and Soil Test Interpretation
If commodity prices stay low, some farmers may look at soil fertility as one area to potentially cut back inputs. Sometimes it's not a matter of cutting back across the board but instead making sure that your dollar is going to the area(s) that need(s) it the most. The lowest testing areas show the greatest likelihood of a yield return. Soil testing is an excellent investment to know where to put your inputs. Most farmers have ag suppliers providing this task for them… collect soil samples, send to a lab, interpret the results.
Common mistakes:
- Not collecting enough soil cores per soil sample. Good representation of the site is critical for reliable results. Take a minimum of 12 corers per sample, preferably 15, and in some cases as many as 20 cores per sample is recommended. This includes soil sampling with grid sampling programs. For an explanation, go to ISU Extension publication CROP 3108, Take a Good Soil Sample to Help Make Good Fertilization Decisions.
- Don’t assume the Soil Testing Lab recommendations are based on maximum economic return to fertilizer costs. Many lab recommendations are higher than what ISU Extension research shows to be best economic return. ISU Extension provides a publication to help interpret soil test results. See publication PM 1688, A General Guide for Crop Nutrient and Limestone Recommendations in Iowa. In its most simplest form, when P and K soil test levels fall within the “optimum range”, fertilize for estimated crop removal. Calculate crop removal from Table 2, page 4 or PM 1688. A history of combine yield monitor data would be helpful. If soil test levels are in the “low range”, apply a little more than crop removal to slowly build back over time to the “optimum range”. If soil test levels are in the “high range” skip the fertilizer for a year. ISU’s levels of “low, optimum, high” defined in PM 1688 may not be the same as soil test levels used by other labs, but as long as you have the soil testing lab’s test results, you can use their ppm P and ppm K numbers. Be sure to get that data, as most often you will only receive recommendations and not the actual test results.
Feel free to give me a call if you have questions about test results or interpretation or recommendations.
Soybean Cyst Nematode Variety Options
Choosing soybean varieties that are resistant to soybean cyst nematode are critically important to manage this pest. ln a recent press release, Dr. Tylka highlights the fewer choices but increased variety in soybean varieties is available for 2019. The new 2018 edition of Soybean cyst nematode-resistant soybean varieties for Iowa, PM 1649 is now available.
|
|
Events
November Cover Crop Field Days. Iowa Learning Farms, in cooperation with various partners are hosting 8 cover crop field days around Iowa. Dates, times, locations and contact information can be found in the link.
November 13. The Wright County Extension Office will again be hosting the Ag in the Community Series from November until April. These monthly sessions are held from noon to 1 p.m. at the Wright County Extension office in Clarion. The goal of this series is raise awareness and knowledge about local topics in agriculture and relationships and impacts on the community. The November featured speaker is Ashley Recknor with Purple Ribbon Beef. Any one interested in availability of local food, starting a local food enterprise or trends in niche markets is encouraged to attend. There is no fee, but feel free to bring your lunch and Wright County Extension will provide dessert and drinks. For more information and to RSVP contact Sarah Zwiefel at 515-532-3453.
November 20. Agronomy in the Field- a women's cohort will host the second winter session using distance teleconferencing system called ZOOM. Jamie Benning, ISUEO water quality program manager will discuss progress made in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Jamie will also highlight edge of field practices and their role in reducing nutrient loss to Iowa's water bodies. For more information on the series on how to participate, please click on the link above.
November 28 and 29. The 30th annual Integrated Crop Management Conference will be held in Ames at the Iowa State Center. The program consists of 38 topics and participants can get up to 14 hours of continuing education credits as Certified Crop Advisers. Registration is limited so don't delay. Registration and program details are found in the link.
December 2018. I have scheduled my private pesticide applicator meetings for December through April 2018. You can find a list of dates, times and locations for my meetings at this link. My December meetings include:
December 6, 1:30 p.m. St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Eldora
December 7, 9:30 a.m. Clare Community Center
December 7, 1:30 p.m. Pomeroy Community Center
December 13, 9:30 a.m. Dows Community Center
December 13, 1:30 p.m. Youth for Christ Bldg, Hampton
December 14, 9:30 a.m Worth and Cerro Gordo Crop Clinic, Bethel United Methodist, Manly
December 20, 1:30 p.m. Hamilton Co. Fairgrounds, Webster City
December 20, 7 p.m. Zion Lutheran Church, Humboldt
December 11 in Iowa City, December 12 in Ames. The Ag Chemical Dealer Update delivers the latest in crop production recommendations, technologies and information for seed, chemical and fertilizer dealers, crop consultants, farm managers and agronomists. CCA credits and commercial pesticide applicator continuing education for 2018 is also provided. Site locations, dates, registration and program details are available in the link.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
