With the continuing droughty weather conditions, two insects demand attention in our fields. First, are the two spotted spider mites which are greenish yellow with two black spots on their sides. They have four pairs of legs. Hot, dry weather will allow the spider mite population to grow rapidly. However, cool temperatures and high…
Read the full article…
Planting time
At this time we determine the maximum possible numbers of plants per acre.
We establish our “effective planting depth” for the kernel. This can have a dramatic influence on the later nodal root development.
V5 – V6
At this time period in the plant…
Read the full article…
Rain or lack of rain is on many farmers’ minds. With our current weather conditions in eastern Iowa, potassium deficiencies are beginning to show up. The following situations are generally associated with the potassium deficiencies this year: The later planted corn is having a significant problem. We are finding that the corn’s nodal root system…
Read the full article…
Starting the week of 21 April 2012, many people began planting their 2012 crop. At emergence time some of the fields had problems with corn leafing out underground. There are generally two suspects for this early season problem:
Soil crusting –
after a period of heavy rains a crust…
Read the full article…
The weather has had a significant impact on our 2012 crop. From 17 April thru the 16 May 2012, the following maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded at the Ag 10 Research Center in Walcott, Iowa.
Minimum Temperatures Maximum Temperatures
(°F)__ Number (°F)__ Number
32-39 4 50-59 …
Read the full article…
The corn at the Agronology 10 Research Center planted on 24 April 2012, began spiking through the soil on Friday, 4 May. So far in May, the research plots have received 5.1 inches of rain. In one of the wetter areas, the corn has not spiked through the soil yet. This delayed emergence is…
Read the full article…
The Agronology 10 Research plots for both corn and soybeans were planted on 24-25 April 2012. The surface soils were very dry and extremely friable. Soil temperatures in the mornings were 50° F and 55° F at 4 inch depth during this planting period. The plots received a total of 1.9 inches of rainfall…
Read the full article…
Tomorrow, 24 April 2012, we will start our corn planting activity. Soil temperatures at 4 inch depth were 46° F at 8:00 am. The minimum overnight air temperature recorded was 34° F at the Agronology 10 Research Center. Remember to plant your corn 2 to 2.25 inch depth and plant soybeans at 1 to…
Read the full article…
I have been in the field this week planting the 800 stakes necessary to lay out the Agronology 10 Research Center. Some observations from my time in the field this week:
Soil temperatures have varied dramatically. At the 4 inch depth at 8:00 a.m., soil temperature on corn ground on 11 April…
Read the full article…
The 23 March 2012 issue of the Kiplinger Agricultural Letter reports some interesting facts concerning current China:
China produces 60% of the world’s pigs.
The cost of pork production is 86% higher than U.S. cost.
Corn in China is 57% more expensive than U.S. corn.
…
Read the full article…
