I have found it interesting that the National Agricultural Statistics Service for the state of Illinois has reported the late season corn stand counts are leveling off based on the 2008 to 2012 data. The data for the state of Illinois shows the number of plants to be relatively constant at approximately 30,000 plants…
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Western corn rootworms are reported to overcome our trait resistance in Cry3Bb1, when used in a continuous corn rotation. Entomologists were surprised at how quickly (6 yrs.) this insect adapted to overcome this transgenic rootworm technology.
You might ask “What can be done?” Rotate to soybeans. Even in continuous corn rotation, every 4-6…
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Strip till corn offers significant benefits to the farm. First, more residue can be maintained on the soil surface for erosion control.
Secondly, a long term (7 year study) conducted by Dr. Tony Vyn, demonstrated equal yields for strip till and a chisel system. Dr. Vyn also found that the greatest yields were…
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During a normal mid-summer, July and August, stored moisture is taken from the top 5 foot of soil. This sub-soil moisture helps the plant meet its daily moisture requirements. Generally, a foot of silt loam soil will contain 2 inches of plant available water. In eastern Iowa, the 20 year plant available moisture has generally…
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It is a question asked more often today than in the past by farmers. The answer is generally yes. The plant needs sulfur to properly utilize nitrogen. Sulfur will enhance nitrogen use efficiency and promote higher protein values. Factors that influence the need for annual sulfur applications: High yields Cleaner atmosphere – less sulfur from…
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In a corn soybean rotation, tillage might not be necessary every year. But, for the 2nd year corn and continuous corn, some form of tillage or stalk removal is necessary. Multiple year data at the ISU research farm are showing some interesting results. Influence of Tillage on Corn Yields in Till Soil_________________
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As you begin the farm budgeting for the crop 2013 inputs, I would suggest a review of your current seeding rates for soybeans. After examining the current data, I would suggest planting one bag of soybean seed per acre, unless planting is occurring quite late. Suggested Seeding Rate______________________________
Row Width (In)_ Seeds…
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We observed an enhancement in net profits of $20.00 per acre in our soybeans for the 3 year period. In 2009, 2011 & 2012 when an application of a fungicide and insecticide was made at growth stage R3, greater profits were realized. Fungicidal and Insecticide Treatment on Soybeans_____________
Post Soybean Treatment* Yield…
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Since crop year 1994, we had observed three times where the average CEC values (cation exchange capacity) were above 20 for our soybean “Critical Observation Group”. This year’s CEC was 24.7, demonstrating the value of the extremely heavy soil having more moisture available to the soybean crop. The other two years had CEC’s slightly…
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In a recent 6 year study conducted at the Agronology 10 Research Center in Walcott, IA, dribble banded soybeans increased corn yields by 8.4 Bu/A vs. the non-fertilized soybeans. When a 17-40-80-10s was fall, dribbled for soybeans on a very high testing P&K soil, corn yields were increased on average from 207.4 Bu/a to…
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