Early this week, a brief respite from heavy rains allowed for some corn and soybean planting (or replanting) to resume in many parts of Illinois. But, given the amount of recent precipitation, many farmers are concerned about nitrogen loss and wondering if they need to apply more. Emerson Nafziger, professor in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois, provides some insight.

“The return of cooler weather along with the rainfall slowed nitrification – the conversion of ammonium to nitrate – slightly, and also slowed the denitrification process,” Nafziger explains. “Both nitrification and denitrification are biological processes, so they happen faster at higher temperatures. We know from finding nitrate in the soil that there has been a lot of nitrification. Denitrification requires both saturated soils and warm soils, and there has been less of it.”

Soils with standing water are slow to warm up, limiting the rate of denitrification. But it is happening in some areas where water is still standing. In those locations, it will be some time before a crop can be planted, and Nafziger says adjustments to fertilizer nitrogen may be in order as the crop gets established.

Ammonium moves little in the soil, but when it is converted to nitrate, it can move. “We know from our research that nitrogen applied last fall was about 70 percent nitrate by early May, and ammonia applied in March or April was more than half nitrate when the weather turned wet,” Nafziger says.

Somewhat surprisingly, Nafziger found little change in soil nitrogen levels from the unusually heavy rainfall, “We sampled six trial sites both before and after the heavy rainfall of late April and early May, and found virtually no change in soil nitrogen content. We expect that mineralization of soil organic matter added some nitrogen between samples, and that is no longer around, so some nitrogen moved out. The good news is that most of the nitrogen added as fertilizer is still in the soil. That may not be the case in every part of every field, but we don’t see any reason to imagine that most of the nitrogen we applied has been lost.”

Soil drainage is an important factor in movement of water and nitrate. Soil texture is a critical component of drainage, but field tiles change the relationship between texture and water movement.

“As an example, a typical Drummer silty clay loam soil in eastern Illinois allows hardly any water to move through it unless the soil is tile-drained. Tile becomes the exit route for soil nitrogen into surface waters, replacing denitrification as the main way nitrogen is lost in such soils. So, tile drainage changes the assumption that heavy-textured soils will lose nitrogen to denitrification while lighter-textured soils lose more to leaching,” Nafziger explains.

While it’s possible that some nitrogen may be lost before crop uptake begins in a few weeks, Nafziger says that a decision to apply more nitrogen than planned is premature. As soils dry, rainfall returns to normal, and plants grow, roots will begin to draw water and dissolved nitrogen towards the surface, and mineralization will kick into high gear. “Last year,” Nafziger recalls, “under good temperatures and without unusually heavy rainfall, we saw mineralization provide as much as 150 pounds of nitrogen per acre to the crop.”

One indication that the topsoil has not been stripped clean of nitrogen is the recovery of green leaf color that has been happening as the soil dries out. “Most fields are not as dark green as we saw at this point in 2016, but as the root system starts to expand and as soils continue to warm, this will change,” Nafziger says. “The corn crop at this point looks the way it does not because of lack of nitrogen, but due to the effects of temperature and rainfall on crop growth and early development.”

While it is premature to revise nitrogen management based on what has happened so far, farmers shouldn’t rule out the possibility that the crop may need more nitrogen. The good news is that farmers still have time to make such decisions. As long as soil conditions continue to improve, a crop provided with normal amounts of fertilizer nitrogen rarely runs out during vegetative development. According to Nafziger, this year will be no exception.

Nafziger plans to continue soil sampling to learn more about the status of soil nitrogen over the next two months. But, he says, because similar weather patterns have not happened this early in the season in recent years, he cannot easily predict what will happen later in the season.

“Nitrogen deficiency develops over time, and is almost always more related to current soil moisture than to the amount of soil nitrogen. So, if soils do not get extra wet or extra dry over the next month, this season could turn out to be much more typical than we expect.”

For more information, see the Bulletin.

Source: Emerson Nafziger and Lauren Quinn, University of Illinois

Soil-Applied Herbicides: No-Till Considerations
Most soil-applied herbicides are stable under longer than desired periods of weather with no adequate moisture and not broken down by UV sunlight. Those herbicides in the site of action group (SOA) 8 (butylate, cycloate, triallate) and SOA 3 (trifluralin, ethalfuralin, pendimethalin) are volatile and susceptible to degradation by UV light. In no-till, these herbicides are not widely used because of the need for mechanical pre-plant incorporation. S-metolachlor has been found to be broken down by sunlight but other herbicides in the same family are not (dimethenamid-P, acetochlor).

Activation & Longevity
If we look at the most-common soil applied herbicides used in no-till they may remain on the soil surface for an extended period of time. These herbicides start working at the moment of activation with water (rain or irrigation). The herbicides then move into the weed seed germinating section of the soil profile, acting on the weed seeds germinating at that time. A half an inch to over an inch of water is good to have for activation depending on the herbicide. If weeds germinate before herbicide activation occurs, then the weeds may not be terminated by the herbicide. A few herbicides containing pyroxasulfone, flumioxazin, sulfentrazone or saflufenacil could terminate small, emerged weeds after activation. If weed germination continues after herbicide activation, those weeds should be controlled for a certain period depending upon the herbicide.

Other Considerations
Other factors effecting soil applied herbicide longevity and activity in the soil include: microbial degradation, leaching, run off, volatilization, organic matter, soil texture, soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) and soil pH.

Source: Gared Shaffer, South Dakota State University, iGrow

Following recent and excessive precipitation, many Illinois corn producers are now scrambling to replant before the final planting date on June 5. While there are many agronomic considerations associated with replanting, University of Illinois weed scientist Aaron Hager says farmers should keep weed control/herbicide issues in mind.

“Herbicide-resistance traits in the replanted hybrids should be taken into account,” says Hager, an associate professor in the Department of Crop Sciences at U of I. “For example, if you initially planted a glyphosate-resistant corn hybrid and have areas that need to be replanted, you can replant with a similar glyphosate-resistant hybrid or choose to replant with one that’s not glyphosate-resistant. If you take the second option, you will have to take special precautions to reduce drift with any postemergence glyphosate application, as these plants will be extremely sensitive to glyphosate.”

Hager says farmers should consider the interval between the last herbicide application and corn replanting. “For soil-applied corn herbicides, replanting can proceed whenever field conditions are feasible,” he says. “However, for some postemergence corn herbicides, there are intervals between application and replanting. If replanting a corn field previously treated with Spirit, for example, four weeks must elapse between the herbicide application and planting. For NorthStar, the interval is 14 days. For Permit or Yukon, you need to wait one month.”

While most soil-applied herbicides allow more than one application per season, a few, such as Acuron and Resicore, can be applied only once. In instances where small areas of a field will be replanted, Hager says some farmers may elect to simply replant without applying any additional residual herbicide. “However, if you decide to make a second application of a particular corn herbicide, keep in mind that many product labels indicate a maximum per-acre rate that can be applied during one growing season,” he notes.

If farmers need to control corn from the first planting, Hager recommends tillage as an effective first choice. Several herbicides can control existing corn plants if tillage isn’t an option, but Hager says careful attention must be given to what, if any, herbicide resistance trait(s) the existing corn plants contain.

“As you might imagine,” Hager says, “glyphosate is very effective for controlling existing stands of corn sensitive to glyphosate. Corn replanting can occur immediately after application, but control might be improved if at least 24 hours elapses between application and replanting. Glyphosate also would control sensitive weeds that might have emerged with the initial stand of corn. Be very cautious to avoid drift when spraying glyphosate, especially if spraying around wet holes.”

Other herbicides to control emerged corn include paraquat and glufosinate (only hybrids sensitive to glufosinate), although previous research with these herbicides has demonstrated that complete control is not always achieved. Performance of these products can be improved when applied in combination with atrazine or metribuzin. Paraquat and glufosinate would also control a broad spectrum of emerged weeds.

Corn hybrids resistant to glyphosate, glufosinate, or both can be controlled with Select Max prior to replanting field corn. According to label specifications, farmers should apply 6 fluid ounces per acre to control glyphosate-resistant field corn up to 12 inches tall visit https://ibebet.com/betting-sites/saudi-arabia/.

“Applications should include NIS and AMS (do not use a COC or MSO in this particular use), and care must be taken to avoid in-field overlaps or excessive injury to the replanted corn might occur. Glyphosate can be tank-mixed with the Select Max to control emerged broadleaf weed species. Do not replant fields treated in this way sooner than six days after application or severe injury to the replanted corn can occur,” Hager says.

Product labels of ACCase-inhibitors including Poast, Poast Plus, Fusion, Fusilade, Select, and Assure II require an interval between application and rotation to or replanting with grass crops such as corn. These intervals range from 30 (Poast, Poast Plus, Select) to 60 (Fusion, Fusliade) to as many as 120 (Assure II) days, making these products unlikely choices for this particular use. Severe injury to replanted corn can occur if soil residues of ACCase-inhibiting herbicides are taken up by emerging corn plants.

For more information and handy reference tables, please visit the Bulletin.

Source: University of Illinois

Even though you didn’t request a special soil test for boron when you sent your samples into the Michigan State University Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory, you might have received a recommendation to add 1 or 2 pounds for boron per acre for your selected crop. Like nitrogen, the boron recommendation is not based on chemical analysis of your regular soil sample. Instead, it is based on many years of accumulated research results regarding crop response to boron. Special tests for soil content of nitrogen and boron are available through MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory and other reputable labs.

There are two main reasons why boron is routinely recommended:

1. Coarse-textured soil low in organic matter.
2. Crops sensitive to boron deficiency.

Course-texted soil low in organic matter

Plant-available boron exists in soil mostly as a neutral boric acid molecule. The source for this boron is mostly from decomposing organic matter in the soil. Many, if not most, Michigan agricultural soils contain adequate boron for good plant development. Coarse-textured soils, especially those low in organic material substance abuse, are the most common places where boron deficiency occurs.

Coarse-textured soils are more prone to drought and, when soils are very dry, decomposition of organic material slows, sometimes causing boron deficiency. Boron is not bound to clay or organic matter particles and leaches through the soil profile readily, similar to nitrogen. In coarse-textured soils, this leaching is likely when wet conditions prevail.

Crops sensitive to boron deficiency

Some crops are much more sensitive to boron deficiency than others. Perennial legume forage crops, including alfalfa, clovers and birdsfoot trefoil are sensitive to low soil boron. Boron addition is often recommended for these crops. Brassicas, including certain vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, turnip, rutabaga, kale and others), canola and forage brassicas like rape and forage turnip are among the crops known to be sensitive to low soil boron levels.

Sugar beets, apples, red beets, celery and sunflowers are also sensitive to boron deficiency. On soils with low cation exchange capacity, your soil test report may include a boron recommendation for these crops.

How can you correct boron deficiency?

With a lot of care. When deficient for a selected crop, application of the proper amount of boron can be a good economical decision. Boron can be blended with dry granular fertilizers, often with potash. Boron can also be mixed with liquid fertilizers or applied to the soil alone and incorporated. However, over-application of boron or the wrong placement of boron can lead to crop damage.

Problems with boron toxicity can occur when crops sensitive to boron toxicity are planted with boron fertilizers present or sprayed with liquids containing boron. Pre-plant broadcast application of boron fertilizer is generally safer for toxicity-sensitive crops than placement in a fertilizer band.

A common problem situation arises when a smaller-scale producer receives a soil test report including a boron recommendation. “How do I do this?” is the usual question. In some cases where the crop is not of high economic importance, such as a wildlife planting or home vegetable garden, you may choose to ignore the boron recommended on your soil test, but not necessarily. The following list provides some ideas for boron application for the market gardener or small scale grower.

Boron application

• Boron may be blended into dry fertilizers such as 0-0-60 or 0-14-42.
• Boron fertilizers include borax (11 percent boron) and borate granular (14 percent boron). Solubor (20 percent boron liquid) is foliar applied and must be applied at recommended rate for specific crops.
• Application of 9 pounds borax per acre will supply 1 pound boron per acre.
• For gardeners, about 4 teaspoons borax per 1,000 square feet is equivalent to 1 pound boron per acre.
• Dry boron fertilizers should be broadcast along with other fertilizers and worked into soil.
• Boron fertilizer should not be applied if grasses including hay, pasture, turf, small grains or corn are sown immediately following application.
• Manure generally contains 0.03–0.08 pounds boron per ton, more if composted.

For more details on boron for crop production, check out:

• Secondary and Micronutrients for Vegetables and Field Crops, MSU Extension bulletin E0486
• Boron for Minnesota Soils, University of Minnesota Extension AG-FO-0723-C
• MSU Extension articles on boron

Source: Michigan State University Extension 

Last week I received several reports of abnormal corn emergence. Often the problems were associated with corn seedlings leafing out underground and it’s likely weather and seedbed conditions were responsible for the occurrence of the abnormal growth.

Seedlings exhibiting abnormal emergence may have a twisted appearance because internal leaves start expanding before the seeding has elongated. “Corkscrewed” mesocotyl/coleoptile development may occur when the coleoptile encounters resistance (like soil crusting or a dense soil surface) as the mesocotyl elongates.

Several factors (or combination of factors) may be responsible for this abnormal growth. These factors may be characterized as environmental, chemical, or mechanical.

Environmental conditions associated with underground leafing include light penetration, cold soils, or heavy rains soon after planting. When plants unfurl below the soil surface, they usually turn yellow and die.

In a cloddy field where soil coverage of seed is poor and irregular, sunlight can reach the germinating seedling and induce leaf emergence beneath the soil surface.

Also, heavy rains after planting can cause a hard crust, which makes emergence of small seedlings very difficult (this seemed to be the most likely factor causing problems this year). As a result, bending and twisting of the seedling below the crusted layer often occurs. Planting the seed too deep has also been associated with premature unfurling of the corn.

Certain herbicides, such as cell growth inhibitors like acetochlor, and various premixes that contain their active ingredients can show similar symptoms (i.e. twisting, abnormal growth) when excessive rates are applied pre-emergence. Besides excessive rates, improperly closed seed furrows can allow the pre-emergence herbicide to come in direct contact with the seed.

In a 2015 article concerning corn emergence problems, Dr. Bob Nielsen at Purdue University notes that cold soils and/or wide fluctuations in soil temperatures throughout the day during the emergence process may be a major contributing factor for the development of corkscrewed mesocotyl.

In recent weeks, we have also encountered some swings in soil temperatures during emergence in areas where problems occurred.

Corn seedlings that exhibit abnormal unfurling symptoms during emergence will be unable to penetrate any but the loosest soil even if the crust is broken mechanically or softened by rain. Prompt treatment with a rotary hoe, weeder, spiketooth harrow or cultipacker may help break the crust and improve emergence. However, even when used carefully, these salvage operations can cause some damage to seedlings, which are emerging normally.

To minimize poor seedling emergence due to unfurling below the soil surface, watch for cloddy seedbeds, open seed furrows, and crusting surface soils after rains.

Source: Peter Thomison, Ohio State University 

Although two weeks of occasionally heavy rain and some unseasonably cold temperatures slowed planting progress and threatened newly emerging plants throughout Indiana, Purdue Extension corn specialist Bob Nielsen said there is still time to have a good grain crop if, as expected, weather conditions improved.

The key, Nielsen said, is careful crop management.

To help farmers make the best possible decisions about replanting and other crop management issues, Nielsen has posted a number of new resources to his Chat ‘n Chew Café website at http://www.kingcorn.org/cafe.

The site provides news and information on topics such as assessing frost/cold temperature injury to young corn, hybrid maturities for delayed planting, seedling diseases and possible nutrient loss.
Nielsen, professor of agronomy, cited recent history as a reason for farmers to remain optimistic. Even though planting was delayed in much of the state last year as well, both the corn and soybean harvests were strong.

Projections for a warm summer with near-normal precipitation throughout the state this summer could bode well for healthy crops in 2017 despite the soggy start.
“Planting date is not a good predictor of yield,” Nielsen said. “That is because yield is also influenced by a host of other growing-season factors. As far the weather goes, it’s not what has happened so far, but what happens from now on that will determine yield.”

Persistent, often heavy rains began falling in Indiana during the last week of April, triggering flood alerts throughout the state and inundating farm fields. Adding to farmers’ concerns, overnight temperatures in northern counties fell well below seasonal norms, possibly damaging seedlings.

About half the state’s corn crop had been planted by May 7 according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, still ahead of last year’s pace. Nielsen said it is too early to tell how many of those acres would have to be replanted due to the wet, cold weather.

He advised farmers to be aware of possible nitrogen loss and said that fungicidal seed treatments that were applied before the heavy rains could be wearing off.
“When the fields are dry enough to scout, it might need to be done twice to monitor the potential for seedling blight,” he said.

For Nielsen’s latest updates on crop conditions, follow him on Twitter at @PurdueCornGuy or visit his Chat ‘n Chew Café website at http://www.kingcorn.org/cafe. 

Source: Purdue University 

Corn growers facing replanting decisions because of flooding and saturated soils have time to safely plant corn through the end of May and even into early June.

That is the advice from University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Greg Luce. He notes that growers vary in their regional situations and, depending on their circumstances, some will decide to switch to soybeans earlier than others.

Three factors affect flooded fields most: length of flooding, the temperature during flooding and drying rate.

Oxygen concentration drops rapidly in flooded fields, according to research. Oxygen depletes in 24-28 hours. Moderate water movement allows some oxygen to get to plants and causes less damage than standing water.

Young corn can survive flood conditions for about two days when temperatures are in the mid-70s or above, Luce says. They can survive four days or more when temperatures drop to 60 degrees.

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Corn plants that have been flooded should show new leaves within three to five days after the water recedes. Luce says soybean can generally tolerate 48 hours underwater quite well. Flooding for four days or more significantly reduces stand, vigor and yield.

Prolonged flooding also restricts root development. This reduces the crop’s ability to take up water and nutrients. This worsens root stress if a drought occurs.

Growth stage at the time of flooding also plays a key role in survivability, says Luce. Smaller plants tend to survive underwater better than larger plants that need more oxygen.

Lower air temperatures keep soil and water cooler. This actually improves the plant’s chances of survival because metabolic processes slow down. However, cloudy conditions also slow drying of soil and water. Seed treatments for soybean have been beneficial but with continued wet soils the chances of disease increase, even with treated seeds.

If cool, wet weather persists two to three weeks, poor crop stands can result.

Saturation and ponding in fields may have the same effect on seedling corn and soybean plants as flooding.

Replant decisions
MU Extension specialists Bill Wiebold and Ray Massey offer considerations when deciding whether to replant.

Wiebold’s years of research on how planting date affects yield shows that corn yields drop by 20 percent by May 26. Soybean yields drop only 2 percent when planting is delayed to May 15, but that increases to 7 percent by May 29.

He points out that his numbers are averages. “No one can predict yield based upon a single year,” he says.

Planting date is only one factor that determines yield. Wiebold’s research indicates that July and August temperatures and precipitation affect yield more than planting date.

“We’ve seen late-planted corn do well,” Luce says. “Be patient. For now, staying with intended hybrids is the best choice.”

Patience pays off for long-term soil condition also, he says. Soil conditions, rather than a calendar date, should dictate when to plant.

“Don’t jump into a field and compact it,” he says. Compacted soil leaves less room for water, nutrients and oxygen to reach roots. Heavy farm equipment damages wet soils for years to come.

“Planting in cold, wet soils reduces seedling emergence and increases the risk of soil compaction,” Wiebold says. “Soil compaction limits root growth and a healthy root system is key to withstanding hot, dry spells during summer.”

Wiebold suggests that farmers review MU Extension guides when making decisions on replanting. The MU Extension guide “Corn and Soybean Replant Decisions” (G4091) tells how to estimate dollar gain or loss from replanting. The guide is available as a free PDF download here.

Producers face tough choices on whether planting date and weather conditions call for replanting. The guide “takes the emotion” out of replanting decisions, Wiebold says.

At times, replanting costs might exceed the value of extra yield. Accurate estimates of seed costs, fuel, machinery, labor, pesticides and other costs factor into the analysis.

Cold rains right after planting cause low emergence, Wiebold says. Seeds contain 6-8 percent moisture at planting. They rehydrate with moisture from the soil. At low temperatures, the hydration process can rupture seed cell membranes. Cell contents can then leak out and become food for pathogens. This leads to seed injury or death. Damage during seed imbibition can knock out 90 percent of the stand.

Source: Linda Geist, University of Missouri

Soybean Cyst Nematode: Crop impact

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) silently robs significant soybean yield without displaying obvious above ground symptoms. Unfortunately, when SCN is introduced in the field, it can never be completely eliminated. However, SCN can be managed to keep SCN population below injury level. By the time one soybean cyst is observed on the soybean roots or in the soil sample, likely more cysts are occurring in that field. One cyst can contain up to 300 eggs, and 2-3 cyst cycles can occur in a growing season.

Management
SCN management starts with a soil test to determine the presence or absence of this nematode in the soil. Absence may indicate that either the soybean cyst nematode has not established in the field or it could be present at non-detectable levels. Therefore, there is a need to keep testing the soil every so often (recommended every three years). A positive SCN detection requires adoption of an integrated management approach that includes planting resistant cultivars, crop rotation with non-hosts, and use of nematicide seed treatments especially for fields where SCN egg counts are very high (>10,000 eggs/100 cc of soil). It should be noted that the effectiveness of nematicide seed treatments has not been consistent across the region.

Sampling Soil for SCN

When to Sample
Soil sampling for SCN can occur at any time throughout the year as long as the soil is not completely saturated or frozen. If you were unable to get your fields sampled for SCN this fall, consider sampling this spring.

Areas to Target When Sampling
Areas to target and sample include: field entrance, along fence lines, low spots, previously flooded areas, waterfowl activity areas, high pH areas, and low yielding/stunted areas of the field.

How to Sample
Collect 20 soil cores 0-6” deep in a zig-zag pattern using a soil probe or a spade. The soil cores should be thoroughly mixed and put in a soil sample bag or plastic bag (only about a pint is needed for testing). Larger fields should be divided into smaller 10-20 acre field portions, and each portion sampled separately.

Source: Connie Strunk, South Dakota State University, iGrow

Why use pre-emergent herbicide?
It is always good to start with a pre-emergence chemical to help prevent weeds from becoming resistant. Usually this is a different chemistry than what you are using post-emergence. It also will buy you time on doing a post if the pre-emergence is activated. With the wet cool spring, some weeds may now have germinated before the pre-emergence product is applied after planting.

Product Activation
Most pre-emergent products need about ½ to ¾ inch of moisture to be activated once they are applied. Once this happens the product is now ready to kill the weeds. If weeds germinated before the pre-emergent was activated there may be some that will continue to grow and will need a post-emergent treatment to control before they get to large.

Some pre-emergence products do have the ability to kill some small emerged weeds. Atrazine is the one with the largest window to control emerged weeds. To insure the product being used does have kick back control check you label. If not consider putting a burndown with the pre-emergent to take out emerged weeds no deposit bitcoin casinos, or consider doing one more tillage pass before planting. But remember once the product has been activated it will start to control germinating weeds and should work as normal from this time forward. In most cases no chemical is lost waiting for activation.

Application Considerations
In all cases read the label for more information on how you product works. Do not add more of the same product to the field unless it is recommended as this may cause injury to the crop. Even if the field had some temporary flooding the product is usually still there.

Source: Paul O. Johnson, South Dakota State University, iGrow

With this week’s forecasted low temperatures projected to dip into the high 30s (°F) with potential rain events, growers have asked if/how germination will be affected for corn and soybean planted this week.

Summary
Imbibitional (fast) water uptake occurs within the first 48 hours after a seed is planted. Once planted, corn seeds need a two-day (48-hour) window and soybeans need at least a 24-hour window when the soil temperature at planting depth does not drop much below 50°F.

When the soil temperature drops much lower than 50°F within that time frame, there is potential for chilling injury to affect seed germination and seedling growth. Soil temperature decreases after this time are less likely to affect seed germination.

Key Considerations
Check the weather forecast and soil temperatures for your area. It’s also important to check the soil temperature of each field the morning you intend to plant. (This can be done with a meat thermometer.)

Second, check on your seed tag or with your seed dealer regarding the cold tolerance of your corn hybrids/soybean varieties. Hybrids and varieties vary in cold tolerance and company rating scales differ. However, be aware that imbibitional chilling is a physical phenomenon that can override genetics.

Cold Stress in Corn
When corn seeds imbibe (take up) water, cell membranes stretch and cells expand. When a damaged cell membrane rehydrates, it may not return to its normal shape and size. This can create a “leaky” cell. Water is at its densest at about 39°F so when cold water is imbibed, it may result in additional membrane damage.

These ruptured membranes may occur in the cell walls and in the mitochondria. In the plant this action may disrupt the embryo/endosperm enzymatic conversion to energy, but mostly results in leakage of cell solutes and sugars. This, in turn, is likely to reduce growth rate and interfere with growth of the emerging seedling.

• Debate exists about what specific temperature and timing causes imbibitional chilling. However, corn plants that imbibe cold water (in the low 40s) in the first 48 hours after planting undoubtedly are affected.
• Planting when soil temperatures are above 50°F alleviates concerns of imbibitional chilling affecting corn emergence. Some scientists suggest that corn will not be injured at soil temperatures as low as 41°F; however, there is certainly some risk of injury from imbibitional chilling at those low temperatures.
• For best results, begin planting corn when soil temperatures are in the high 40s and the short-term forecast calls for warm days that will continue pushing soil temperatures higher. If soil temperatures are in the high 40s and the weather forecast calls for cold wet conditions within the next 48 hours, soil temperatures will likely drop and planting should be delayed until temperatures warm.

Cold Stress in Soybean
Soybean germination consists first of a very fast uptake of water (imbibitional phase) followed by a much slower uptake of water (osmotic phase). Chilling during the first phase can cause severe problems because the imbibed water is needed to rehydrate the cotyledons and embryo to the point that cell membranes become functional. Cold temperatures interfere with proper hydration of those membranes.

• The imbibitional phase is typically not very long (usually less than 24 hours) and can occur with relatively little soil moisture since the seed is dry at planting. Thus, getting a cold rain within 24 hours after planting can lead to soybean chilling injury and thus lower stands.
• Chilling injury is likely greater if soil temperatures were cold (less than 50° F) at planting rather than becoming cold 24 or more hours after sowing. Chilling injury occurs with temperatures of less than 50°F within 24 hours of planting; germination failure and seedling death occur at soil temperatures around 40°F. The longer the seed is in the ground at warm soil temperatures before cold temperatures occur, the less chance there is for chilling injury.
• Saturated soil with cold temperatures significantly reduces germination rate, thus fungicide seed treatments are recommended if planting in April or early May.
• Bottom line: Plant your soybeans if you think the soil temperatures won’t get cold (less than 50°F) for at least 24 hours. If you planted two or more days before the cold rain, there should be no imbibitional injury due to cold temperature.

During the second phase of germination, the fully functional membranes (after imbibitional hydration) create an osmotic situation in which water diffuses into the living cells. Osmotic water uptake is slow with cold temperatures. Chilling during this phase causes little direct injury to the germinating seedling. Cold temperatures will, however, slow emergence.

In conclusion, check the weather forecast, soil temperature, and hybrid/variety cold tolerance before planting. The first 24- and 48-hour periods are critical for soybean and corn, respectively, if soil temperatures dip much below 50°F. Monitor your fields based on planting date throughout the year to determine any effects on plant stand and yield.

Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension 

Most farmers who feed corn silage already have a plan for 2017. A thoughtful review of your plans for corn silage could have a positive impact on your results. Hybrid selection is a big part of planning for a good corn silage year.

The days of selecting your corn silage field because it’s the poorer looking part of your total corn acres are pretty much gone. Much more attention is now given to the potential silage characteristics of corn hybrids. Corn hybrid trials for silage quality characteristics provide excellent selection tools. Michigan State University Extension bulletin E0431, “2016 Michigan Corn Hybrids Compared,” contains results of corn silage and grain trials throughout all five maturity zones within our state.

Good corn hybrid comparison information is also available from the University of Wisconsin’s “2016 Wisconsin Corn Hybrid Performance Trials,” Purdue University’s “2016 Purdue Corn and Soybean Performance Trials” and other Great Lakes region land-grant universities.

A combination of results from replicated and un-biased trials such as university testing programs, information from seed companies and results from on-farm strip trials, if available, should all be used when making seed selections. Characteristics of most importance include:

• Hybrid maturity
• Yield and quality
• Agronomic traits

Hybrid maturity
Longer season hybrids generally result in higher silage yields. If a full-season harvest is expected, then a maturity five to 10 days longer than the relative maturity of hybrids selected for grain harvest is appropriate. However, if early harvest for silage or potential harvest for grain is a strong consideration, then a shorter season silage hybrid should be used.

Widening the harvest window by including silage hybrids with a range of relative maturity can provide farmers with more flexibility to chop the corn at its optimum moisture content. It will also improve the chances for better pollination if dry weather occurs during tasseling and pollen shed.

Yield and quality
Silage yield is commonly reported in terms of dry matter per acre and as “wet” yield (65 percent moisture). This allows for fair comparison between hybrids harvested at different whole-plant moistures. Yield and quality go together when selecting corn hybrids for silage. Quality characteristics can be complicated. Most MSU dairy nutritionists agree that neutral detergent fiber is a key quality component of corn silage hybrids. This number is an indicator of the digestibility of fiber in silage produced from a hybrid, with lower neutral detergent fiber indicating higher fiber digestibility. Normal range of neutral detergent fiber has been estimated from 37.6–49.6, according to Dairy One.

If corn silage neutral detergent fiber on your farm is poor in a given year, the problem can be addressed by grouping cattle and feeding appropriately. High producing cows benefit most from increased fiber digestibility, with increased dry matter intake and milk yield response. Lower digestible fiber corn silage can be fed to low production cows, or dry cows far off from freshening. Feed testing and consulting with your dairy nutritionist or local MSU Extension dairy educator can help while planning.

Agronomic traits
Keep in mind that some traits relating to insect and disease resistance may be less important in corn intended for silage than in corn intended for grain. Herbicide and corn borer resistance will remain important. Corn rootworm resistance may not be as important since corn is often planted following alfalfa on Michigan dairy farms with resulting lower pressure from corn rootworm during that year. This is due to the anticipated earlier harvest date.

Take a look at the 2017 version of the Handy Bt Trait Table compiled by MSU field crop entomologist Christina DiFonzo, Texas A&M University’s Pat Porter and Ohio State University’s Kelley Tilmon. Drought tolerance is also important on coarser textured soils, or where soil moisture may be depleted.

Taking the time now to review silage corn hybrid information from a variety of sources can help you fine-tune your hybrid selection for improved silage yield and quality, and reduced risk. Content for this article was adapted from “Corn Silage Hybrid Selection” by Jeff Coulter, University of Minnesota, and “Corn Hybrid Selection” from Corn Agronomy, University of Wisconsin Extension.

Source: Michigan State University 

Since the release of the March 31 Prospective Plantings report and the April World Agricultural Supply report, the corn and soybean markets turn their focus to spring planting. According to a University of Illinois agricultural economist, the pace of planting reveals expectations that delays in planting may influence acreage decisions.

“Recent rainfall totals in Corn Belt and Plains states and forecasts for a wetter pattern in western and northern areas of the Corn Belt instigated the annual discussion of the acreage implications of corn and soybean planting progress,” says Todd Hubbs. “The shift to soybean planting intentions and away from feed grains makes the pace of planting of interest this crop year.”

The Prospective Plantings Report indicated farmer’s intentions to plant 89.5 million acres of soybeans in 2017. The 6 million-acre increase in soybean acres over 2016 came at the expense, in many states, of feed grains. When considering corn, sorghum, oats, and barley, the total acreage reduction for feed grain planting intentions indicates approximately 5.6 million fewer acres of feed grains planted in 2017. Corn planting intentions came in at 90 million acres, which is 4 million acres below 2016 levels. The most recent Crop Progress Report for the week ending April 9 indicated 3 percent of the corn crop planted, which is on par with the pace of planting over the past five years. Hubbs says continued rain in many areas points to delays in corn planting in many states and merits investigation into the possibilities associated with late planting on acreage decisions.

Any ability to characterize late or early planting at a national level creates complications due to geographic variation. Previous work by Irwin, Good, and Tannura suggests late planting in the major producing states that impacts national average yield occurs after May 20 for corn and after May 30 for soybeans. Hubbs says this timeframe for considering late planting draws support from planting date studies conducted in Illinois over a decade.

“Using this definition, we look at the past 20 years, since the Freedom to Farm era began, of crops planted late to determine any impact on acreage decisions at the national level,” Hubbs says. The portion of the crops planted late ranged from 4 percent (2012) to 21 percent (2011) for corn and 6 percent (2012) to 43 percent (2011) for soybeans. “For the five years since 1997 with the smallest and largest percentages of the crops planted late, we conduct an examination of how the final estimate of planted acreage differed from intentions reported in the USDA’s March Prospective Plantings report. Due to a tie for the fifth position for largest late-planted percentage in corn, six observations are used in calculations.”

In years with the smallest percentage of late-planted crop, corn planted acreage exceeded intentions in four years and was less than intentions in one year. Deviations from planting intentions ranged from -691,000 to 1.9 million acres and averaged 939,400 acres. In one of the four years that corn acreage exceeded intentions, soybean acreage exceeded intentions as well. In the five years with the smallest percentage of late-planted soybean crop, planted acreage exceeded intentions in one year and was less than intentions in four years. The deviation from intentions ranged from -2.4 million acres to 3.3 million acres and averaged -591,800 acres.

In the years with the largest percentage of late planted corn acreage, planted acreage was less than intentions in four years and exceeded intentions in two years. Deviations from planting intentions ranged from -1.9 million to 1.4 million acres and averaged -224,000 acres. In the five years with the largest percentage of late planted soybean acreage, planted acreage was less than intentions in two years and exceeded intentions in three years. Deviations from planting intentions ranged from -1.6 million to 1.4 million acres and averaged 300,000 acres.

“Producers possess the ability to plant very quickly and still have more than a month to plant corn and six weeks to plant soybeans before planting is considered late by our definition,” Hubbs says. “Currently, the concern is the potential delay in corn planting, which may create an incentive to switch to soybean acres and exacerbate the large switch in acreage seen in the planting intentions report.
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“Observations since 1997 suggest that there is a tendency for corn acreage to exceed intentions in years when a small percentage of the crop is planted late,” Hubbs concludes. “The large variation in the direction and magnitude of acreage deviations from intentions makes it difficult to form expectations on corn acreage for 2017. Deviations in planted acreage of soybeans from intentions provide no clear indication of acreage adjustment based on the lateness of planting.”

Source: University of Illinois

Emergency preparedness is something we all know we should do, but unfortunately it often ends up on the “to do list” never getting checked off as completed. We know emergencies happen, we just don’t know to whom, when or what type of emergency. Being prepared for an emergency on your dairy can significantly improve recovery time from an unexpected incident.

Dairies lend themselves to some unique circumstances when it comes to farm emergencies involving livestock. Why? Milking at the farm occurs 365 days of the year. This requires a source of energy to milk the cows, cool the milk and provide water, feed and manure removal for the cows. Secondly, there is often many animals in a concentrated area requiring numerous people to care for the animals. There is often limited English proficiency, and communication in an emergency can be challenging.

Training employees annually in some basic areas will help expedite the recovery time should an emergency occur. What are some of the major areas to cover?

1. How to contact YOU or a designated farm manager.
2. How to contact emergency services giving an accurate farm name and location address.
3. How to contact the herd veterinarian if one is not on staff.
4. How to shut down equipment in an emergency.
5. How to operate equipment under back-up emergency power utilization.
6. How to operate a fire extinguisher and where is it located.

Talk with employees and family members about what they are to do if an emergency occurs and designate emergency responsibilities. It is also recommended to have emergency contact information listed and posted in an area that all can access. Provide a Spanish version if English proficiency is limited. Posters are available through the National Dairy Farm Program – FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) for free online. You as an owner/manager will also want to have a list of emergency contact info outside of emergency services (911) such as the following: Milk hauler, Milk Processor/Field Representative, Milk Equipment Dealer, Machinery Dealer, Feed Dealer, Veterinarian, and your Insurance Agent.

Back-up power for dairy farms is a necessity. Making sure it is operational and in proper working order should be a priority with testing conducted on a regular basis. It is also recommended to have two separate generators, one to operate the milking parlor and the second to perform other tasks such as pumping water, running augers and manure systems. In addition, to making sure they are working properly, they should have adequate fuel and load tests conducted so you know how much equipment you are able to operate per generator.

Lastly, producers should have a plan in place if cows are unable to be milked at the present location and would need to be relocated.

Nobody wants to think about the “unimaginable emergency” but being prepared ahead of time will help expedite recovery efforts and minimize losses.

Source: Tracey Erickson, South Dakota State University, iGrow

Variable—the one word often used to describe corn response to nitrogen (N). Soil variability within a field influences the N supply due to changes in soil texture, organic matter content and topography while environmentally both temperature and rainfall distribution are often key drivers of N variability across entire landscapes. Despite new application technologies and a plethora of products targeting improved plant growth and efficiency, three factors including rainfall frequency, crop heat units and soil texture still appear to offer the greatest influence on corn response to N.

Resources are available to reduce grower uncertainty when selecting corn N rates. Seven states through the Corn Belt, including Michigan, utilize the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) corn N recommendation system. The MRTN model was adopted to further enhance farm profitability by maximizing the economic return of N fertilizer invested while simultaneously addressing some of the negative environmental consequences that occur when applying excessive N rates.

The model provides a range of N rate recommendations based on corn yield response to N over many years and across a range of Michigan soils. What the MRTN model also recognizes and accounts for is that the most economically optimum nitrogen rate will never be constant as corn and fertilizer prices fluctuate over time. The model provides a profitable range of N rates that allows for user input to adjust rate based on crop rotation, soil productivity potential and current price of N fertilizer and corn grain.

The MRTN recommendation table (below) is a summary of results from the Michigan database within the Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator. Both tools may be accessed via the Michigan State University Soil Fertility Research website.

Using the MRTN recommendations
MSU Extension recommends following these important notes when using MRTN recommendations.

• The MRTN model is a pre-season general N recommendation model that provides corn N response data that have proven profitable over many years and accounts for optimal and sub-optimal growing seasons. The model does not account for individual site variability or variable in-season weather events (i.e., individual large rainfall events or excessive rainfall after early N applications), which may affect corn N response and require adjustments to in-season N applications.
• Corn yield for the N rates listed at the 0.05 price ratio will be near maximum levels, but N rates for greater price ratios may result in a greater economic return to the grower.
• When the previous crop is soybean, the N credit is built into the recommendation system. Do not take any additional N credit as the rotational effect of soybean is already accounted for under the “previous crop” heading.
• If the previous crop was a small grain that was interseeded with a leguminous cover crop species, growers should follow the recommendation category for previous crop soybean and small grain. If no leguminous cover crop was used with the small grain, growers should default to the recommendation category for previous crop corn.
• Nitrogen credits for previously applied manure are not accounted for in the MRTN table. Manure N credits need to be subtracted from the recommendations listed in the table.
• The profitable range listed beneath suggested N rates can be used to adjust N rates based on an individual grower’s familiarity with a specific field (i.e., tendency to yield greater or less than expected), the amount of risk a grower wishes to assume, or locally important air, soil and water concerns.

Source: Michigan State University 

Requirements for a medical evaluation, fit testing and specific training for use of respirators and the associated record keeping became effective Jan. 2, 2017. At this time, most growers are aware of this revision to the Worker Protection Standards (WPS) regulation that requires pesticide handlers and applicators to wear a respirator during mixing/handling, spray applications and potential other uses as outlined on pesticide labels. Additionally, those who use pesticides with respirator requirements must receive documentation from a physician or licensed health care professional (PLHCP) that has “respirator evaluation” as part of their license to ensure the pesticide handler is medically able to use a respirator.

Not all PLHCPs are qualified to provide the respirator evaluation, but primary care physicians should be able to refer patients to appropriate medical personnel. Alternatively, growers can contact local occupation and environmental health professionals who are more likely to have the credentials needed to provide the appropriate respirator medical evaluation and documentation. Please review the following guidelines to help address some of the recent questions Michigan State University Extension has received from growers.

Who needs to receive a medical evaluation and how often?

Employees that could be exposed to hazardous airborne contaminants may be required to wear a respirator; respirators and respirator use requirements will be outlined on individual pesticide labels. Some pesticides may require respirators for employees that mix spray material or require applicators to wear a respirator during applications of certain pesticides. Employers are responsible for ensuring employees receive the appropriate equipment, evaluation, respirator fit test, training and record keeping that conforms to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the medical evaluation is required one time per employee unless another evaluation is required due to one of the following reasons:

• The medical determination is only good for a specified length of time.
• The employee reports medical signs or symptoms related to respirator use.
• The PLHCP, supervisor or program administrator recommends a re-evaluation.
• Fit-test or other program information indicates a need for re-evaluation.
• When changes in the workplace increase respirator stress on an employee.
• The initial medical examination demonstrates the need for a follow-up medical examination.

Who provides the evaluation? What kind of evaluation and documentation are needed?
A PLHCP with respirator evaluation as part of their license will provide the appropriate evaluation using a medical questionnaire or exam that conforms to the OSHA standard. Contact the PLHCP to determine whether a questionnaire or exam will be used and to receive appropriate paperwork. Prior to completing the questionnaire or exam, employers must provide employees with:

• The type and weight of the respirator the handler will use.
• How long and how frequently the handler will use the respirator.
• How much physical work the handler will do while using the respirator.
• Other personal protective equipment (PPE) the handler will use.
• The temperature and humidity extremes of the working environment.

Contact a primary care physician to receive a referral for a licensed professional, if necessary. Another low-cost (about $25) and fast alternative for a medical evaluation is t OshaMedCert, an online service that involves filling out a form and sending it for approval or denial by a PLHCP; individual’s health information remains confidential throughout the process. A respirator fit test (see below) will be needed after receiving the medical determination from OshaMedCert.

A written medical determination of the respirator evaluation for each employee is required before the employee can use the respirator. The employer must keep the medical determination documentation for two years. According to EPA, the required written information to be provided by the PLCHP to the employer must only include:

• Whether or not the employee is medically able to use a respirator.
• Any limitations on respirator use in relation to the medical conditions (if any) of the employee or workplace conditions.
• Need for any follow-up medical evaluations.
• A statement that PLCHP provided the employee with written recommendation; in some cases, this recommendation may simply state that the applicator/person that will use the respirator is capable of wearing a respirator.

Again, the information outlined above is the only information that should be provided in the PLHCP’s recommendation to the employer to protect the employee’s private medical information and avoid violation of Health Insurance portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) laws.

What’s next? Respirator fit tests.
After receiving a medical evaluation, a fit test is needed to ensure the respirator forms an adequate seal with an employee’s face to provide appropriate inhalation exposure protection. A new fit test is required annually or whenever there is a change to the respirator or a physiological change to the employee that could affect the seal between the respirator and the user’s face. Furthermore, fit tests are required for each type of respirator that will be used as indicated by pesticide labels. Finally, employees must undergo the fit test using a respirator with the exact specifications of the respirator that will be used on the job.

Fit tests must follow OSHA protocols, and there are two methods for fit testing. The quantitative fit test (QNFT) requires special equipment and a trained person to conduct the testing. Fit test kits are also available to perform qualitative fit tests (QLFT) by a person that can accurately prepare test solutions, calibrate equipment, perform the test properly, recognize invalid tests and ensure test equipment is working properly. Sources for fit tests include pesticide suppliers or companies such as Gempler’s or Grainger.

A primary care physician may be able to provide additional options and referrals for fit test providers in the area. We confirmed that Munson Medical Center’s Occupational Health and Medicine Clinic (550 Munson Ave. Traverse City, MI 49686; phone: 231-935-8590) is equipped to perform the appropriate respirator exam (about $80) and the fit test (about $25) in one visit by appointment only. Spectrum Health Services in other areas of Michigan provide similar services. Patients that wish to only receive a fit test need to provide appropriate respirator exam result documentation prior to the test.

Additional information regarding respirator requirements and other WPS revisions can be found in the EPA’s “How to Comply with the 2015 Revised Worker Protection Standards for Agricultural Pesticides.”

Source: Michigan State University