The Source for Iowa Crop Production News

3/22/2013 - When soil is dry, producers need to think about planting depths and other factors to maximize moisture for rapid germination.

3/18/2013 - Evaluating forage stands for winter injury should be a regular management practice. This article provides some guidelines for stand evaluation and management considerations.

3/3/2013 - In dry conditions, seeding depth can and should differ dpending on soil texture, tillage system and residue cover. Knowing the texture of the soil and its management requirements will dictate how deep seeds should be placed to have adequate available moisture for successful germination.

2/28/2013 - Farmers and land managers wishing to learn more about dedicated energy crops, especially Miscanthus, for heat and power in Iowa should plan now to attend a March 19 biomass crop production workshop in Iowa City.

2/21/2013 - Last summer's dry growing season has raised several soil fertility questions. In some cases, there have been relatively normal crop production and no need for management changes. In other siutations with severely damaged crops, there is potential for adjustment to nitrogen application for this year's corn crop due to carryover nitrate nitrogen in the soil profile.

2/18/2013 - Knowing the texture of the soil in your field and its management requirements especially in dry conditions will dictate how deep seeds should be placed to have adequate available moisture for successful germination.

2/13/2013 - A training session to help individuals prepare for the commercial pesticide applicator exam will be offered on March 11 in Washington County.

2/12/2013 - An upcoming workshop will prepare livestock producers, consultants and agency staff to use the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE@) and the Iowa Phosphorus Indext in nutrient management plans.

2/11/2013 - The Hybrid-Maize model allows users to change soil moisture conditions at planting to simulate different possibilities. This capability allows us to simulate conditions with only half field capacity at planting.

2/11/2013 - Modeling tools that simulate dry conditions at planting help us understand the effect of dry conditions on potential yield. The corn simulation model Hybrid-Maize can address several questions regarding corn management practices.

1/30/2013 - This weed management update for 2013 includes an update on available herbicide products, as well as an effectiveness chart for herbicides used in soybean and corn.

1/24/2013 - Survey seeks input on adoption of cultural management practices across the Midwest in response to herbicide resistance.

1/22/2013 - Soils, soil fertility and nutrient management are the topics of an upcoming soil fertility short course offered by ISU Extension and Outreach.

1/22/2013 - Lessons learned from last year's drought will help producers develop appropriate drought mitigation strategies.

1/15/2013 - Reliance on herbicides to control weeds can result in resistance issues. To reduce that potential, farmers must take steps to diversify herbicide and incorporate other management practices.

1/8/2013 - Common foliar fungicides and insecticides were evaluated at seven locations across Iowa in 2012 to determine yield reponse to an R3 (beginning pod set) application timing.