With a dry spring hanging over the corn belt, concerns of returned crop stress remain going into the second half of the season. Regional drought monitor maps give reason for this concern as drought lingers in across much of the central US.
US corn and soybeans experienced a relatively fast spring planting season due to dryness that eventually became a flash drought. This raised concerns that another 2012-style drought was upon the corn belt. By the end of June, crop condition ratings from the USDA had plummeted to levels worse than 2012. However, the weather pattern started to change the last week of June, bringing a more favorable precipitation outlook. This and the cooler temperatures since the middle of June have held off major yield losses from crop stress.
Corn was planted early, but showed a significant drop in condition from May through June compared to other years.
Soybeans were also planted early, but showed a significant drop in condition from May through June compared to other years.
For agricultural spraying activities, the drier May and June allowed most all planned herbicide applications to take place but did limit some soil-applied herbicides from activating after application. The recent rains have caused a late flush of weeds at crop canopy closure and some need for additional post-emergence applications.
The efficacy of corn fungicide applications came under discussion due to the dry conditions experienced in mid-June. But now, with the return of storm activity and better yield prospects, fungicides are more likely to be applied as planned.
While some areas are experiencing relief much of the US is still experiencing some form of drought. The maps below compare drought intensity June 20th to July 18th in the Midwest, High Plains, and Southern regions.
While drought pressure has reduced intensity across much of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan, the Midwest is not out of the woods. Missouri and select areas in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin have continued or increased intensity to severe, extreme, or exceptional drought. University of Nebraska Lincoln Drought Monitor
While there are still many abnormally dry areas, moderate, severe, extreme, and exceptional drought has decreased across the High Plains. University of Nebraska Lincoln Drought Monitor
The South has shown little improvement as drought intensity continues to increase across the board. University of Nebraska Lincoln Drought Monitor
While much of the West is experiencing a higher percentage of rainfall, much of the Midwest remains drier than normal.
From now on, crops will need weekly rainfall to avoid crop stress due to low subsoil moisture reserves. At this moment, the longer-term forecasts look warmer and drier to the end of July. This leaves some concern that the major crop stress that occurred in June could return.
Amid an exceptionally dry spring, lingering concerns arise that crop stress may resurface as forecasts predict warm and dry weather to persist throughout July. Many applications have taken place, but weather conditions have limited their effectiveness causing reapplication in some cases. As the end of the season approaches, retaining moisture and continued precipitation will be key factors for a successful crop year.
While athletes almost always prefer natural grass fields, artificial turf is a widely used playing surface due to the perception that it is easier to maintain. There’s been a recent push to shift artificial surfaces back to natural grass as big-name players sustain season-ending injuries and organizations prioritize playing surface conditions when selecting hosts for tournaments.
Maintaining consistent and uniform conditions within turfgrass ecosystems can be challenging. But, with effective turf management strategies such as the use of a wetting agent, localized dry spot, moss growth, and other ecological pressures can be managed in turfgrass ecosystems.
Burndown applications provide control early on to keep weed pressure low throughout the season. Improve coverage, minimize environmental interference, and ensure effectiveness by making sure these adjuvants are included in your burndown tank mix.
What happened at this year’s largest golf industry show? From sold-out seminars to a jam-packed trade show, this year’s GCSAA conference was a success. New connections, networking, and education surpassed expectations.
Dicamba, 2,4-D, and glufosinate tolerance for soybeans and cotton have opened a new world of opportunity for using these herbicides for post-emergence weed control. However, these opportunities also introduce challenges with antagonism when multiple herbicides are tank-mixed.
The largest conference in the golf course industry is right around the corner. This year’s GCSAA conference will be jam-packed with four days of educational seminars, a trade show, tours, and so much more.
Have you ever thought you prepared the perfect application, but gotten less-than-perfect results? As the largest component of a spray tank mix, water can significantly impact application quality. Hard water, the pH of the water, or dirty water can all affect the efficacy of a spray tank mix. Water conditioners can help to mitigate these issues.
Have you ever thought you prepared the perfect application, but gotten less-than-perfect results? As the largest component of a spray tank mix, water can significantly impact application quality. Hard water, the pH of the water, or dirty water can all affect the efficacy of a spray tank mix. Water conditioners can help to mitigate these issues.
Wielding his 35 years of experience, Mark Mahady provides insight on irrigation and water conservation, turf and soil moisture management, wetting agents, surfactants, and other related topics in this edition of Cutting-Edge Perspectives.
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