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Too much rain, too little rain, and some hail
Rainfall reports across central and north central Iowa for rainfall event on June 14 ranged from 0.5 inches to over 6 inches. Earlier events left the Mason City-Nora Springs area with over 7 inches of rain and more in localized areas. As I write this newsletter this morning we have had over 3 inches near Boone and spotty amounts throughout north central Iowa with more on the way. Last week's intense rain in locations left a large amount of ponding with crops under water and yet, parts of eastern Story, southern Hardin and northern Marshall needed rain. That may have changed overnight. For those areas with ponding, crop survivability is dependent on crop growth stage, air temperature, whether the crop has been submerged, or soils are just waterlogged. In some place the ponds did not recede before it started raining again this week. For more information on flood damage to soybean see Assessing Flood Damage to Soybean, and for corn, Corn Survival in Flooded or Saturated Soils. Some management options going forward in time will depend on how fast the water drains and soil become suitable, but include 1) replanting the impacted area to soybeans, 2) planting a cover crop, and 3) weed control. Although the extent of acres impacted is not as nearly widespread as discussed in this article, Dr. Al-Kaisi talks about the importance of managing flooded soils in a 2009 Integrated Crop Management article.
Hail also accompanied some of these storms. From a geographical perspective it is hard to get a handle on hail injury because crop growth stages are highly varied, but if you have hail damage to crops please feel free to drop me a note and let me know the extent of damage. ISU Extension publications on hail on corn and soybean provide management options and yield impact data. The publications are free and can be downloaded by clicking on the following links.
Hail on Corn in Iowa
Hail on Soybean in Iowa
The following table is a screenshot from the Iowa Mesonet of rainfall and growing degree day (GDD) from April 1 to June 18. While the table does not format well for display, the last three columns are: total=GDDS from April 1 to June 18, Climo= historical average GDDs for same time period; and Depart=the difference in what is current versus the historical average.
Northern Research Farm Field Day
The ISU Northern Research Farm Field Day will be held on Wednesday, June 20th from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. at the north research farm at Kanawha. In the event of more rain, the event may be moved to the fire station in Kanawha so please check upon arrival at the farm. The fire station is located on Main street in Kanawha, on the west side of Main, just a block or so north of the farm.
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Events
June 20. Northern Research Farm Field Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located at the north research farm unless it is too wet then will be moved to the fire station in Kanawha. See graphic above.
June 27. Boone River Watershed Field Day from 4 to 6 p.m. with a free supper sponsored by Practical Farmers of Iowa. This field day is free and open to all. This field day will look at river bank stabilization, agronomic and environmental impacts of farmed prairie potholes, forest stand establishment and oxbow wetland restoration. This field day will be located at 102 Oak Ave, Webster City. Please contact Karen Wilke at kwilke@tnc.org for more information.
June 28. The ISU Weed Science Research and Demonstration Field Day will take place at the Curtiss Farm located at 2219 South State Ave., Ames from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This field day demonstrates recently released herbicide prepackage mixtures for weed control in corn and soybean crop systems. Herbicide application methods or timings used in the Midwest for weed control also are part of the program treatments. For more information please contact Damian Franzenburg.
July 11. Field Diagnostic Clinic at the Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL) between Ames and Boone. The Field Diagnostic Clinic focuses on identifying common issues within crop fields. Extension specialists will discuss diagnostic methods and skills, management options and decision making for future crops. This program is meant for new crop advisors as well as individuals interested in a diagnostics refresher.
July 12. Crop Management Clinic at the Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL) between Ames and Boone. Clinic topics cover four primary areas: crop management, pest management, nutrient management, and soil and water management. Small group sizes encourage discussion and interaction with Extension instructors, and practical exercises in field situations.
This next-level clinic focuses on the 'how and why' along with current research. Extension specialists and ISU researchers will be discussing the impacts of common crop problems, how to avoid them, and what steps you can take to improve productivity. In addition, faculty and staff will be highlighting current research taking place throughout the state and how their findings can impact crop management.
Pre-regisration is required for both the field diagnostic clinic and crop management clinic. Click on the link for the programs to find registration details.
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