CMEG Crop Management Extension Group

Field Crop News

Website Address: http://fcn.agronomy.psu.edu/

May 29, 2007    Vol. 07:13

IN THIS ISSUE:

Weather Outlook — Paul Knight, Pennsylvania State Climatologist

Since rainfall deficits are accumulating quickly and the stretch of very warm, mainly sunny days has rapidly increased evaporation rates, the urgent need for widespread rain is present in most parts of the Commonwealth. Do not expect much, if anything before this coming weekend. There are still indications of a likelihood of all sections receiving at least a half inch of rain between June 2–6 and some sections may measure well over 2 inches. The uncertainties focus on how long the disturbance will stay in the eastern states (latest thinking is for 3 to perhaps 4 days) and whether the showers will be repetitive and very heavy in one part and scattered and light in other areas (it appears that western half may be positioned for the most). The cool spell will be short—lived in early June.

Week One (May 30–June 5): Very warm and more humid air will return on Wednesday and it will turn sultry on Thursday and Friday with some sections reaching 90F. Any afternoon thunderstorms will be confined to either the lake breeze area in the northwest or over the Laurel Highlands with only slow movement toward the north—northeast. Thundershowers will be increasingly likely on Saturday in all but the eastern most sections and all places should notice some rain on Sunday and probably on Monday. It will turn cooler early next week.

Week Two (June 5–11): A period of dull, somewhat damp and cooler conditions is expected early in the period, but then warm and humid weather should return during the second half of next week. A new push of Canadian air will arrive later in the weekend accompanied by some thunderstorms.

Check out the predicted Growing Degree Days (base 55) for Pennsylvania for the next two weeks at: http://climate.met.psu.edu/data/regional_gdd.php

Soybean Stands and Dry Soils — Greg Roth, Grain Production Specialist

The dry conditions during this planting season may contribute to some uneven emergence in soybean fields this year. Planting into tilled and dry seedbeds can often lead to variable emergence. In many cases, this ultimately leads to reduced stands. Emergence issues are complicated by uneven seed depth and poor soil structure that limits the seed to soil contact.

Soybean seeds require a moisture content of approximately 50% to germinate. Seeds that swell but aren’t able to absorb adequate moisture may not germinate at all. If seed coats are split the ability of the soybean seeds to rehydrate and germinate is reduced. Once roots emerge from seeds, their ability to rehydrate and continue the germination process is greatly reduced. If you are concerned about soybean seed viability in planted fields, you can attempt to germinate seeds from the field in a moistened paper towel. Within 24 to 36 hours, you should have a good idea of the viability of the remaining seeds. This could help you assess the need for replanting in some situations.

In assessing replant situations, remember that soybeans have a tremendous capability to recover from reduced stands. Data from various states would indicate that near maximum yields are possible with stands at 100,000 plants per acre. At 70,000 plants, yields may still be in the range of 90–95% of optimum. A recent Purdue study showed that across four locations, final stands of 46,000 plants per acre averaged 66 bushels /acre compared to 79.0 bushels /acre for 171,000 stands. That’s 83% of the maximum yield with a fairly sparse stand.

Soybeans cannot compensate for large gaps in the stand, however. Many Pennsylvania fields with varying soil types are prone to uneven soil conditions which could lead to many gaps in the rows. More gaps in the stand lead to a lower yield potential. In a field with 40% gaps, at 70,000 plants, we’d estimate the yield to be 83% of optimum. In a field with large patches of unemerged soybeans, yields will be reduced even more.

Also compare the potential returns from the existing stand to a replanted stand at a later date. Approximate estimates of planting date effects on yield are as follows:

Date % Yield
May 10 100
May 20 98
May 30 95
June 10 88
June 20 76
June 30 63

For specifics on our soybean replanting guidelines and estimating the gaps in an uneven stand, visit the Agronomy Guide soybean website at http://agguide.agronomy.psu.edu/cm/sec6/sec6toc.cfm

Dry Weather and Fertilizer Injury — Doug Beegle, Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Specialist

With the dry weather that we have experienced through corn planting season this year we have seen more than usual reports of fertilizer injury. There are two common types of fertilizer injury related to materials and rates. If too much urea is placed too close the seed, the ammonia that is given off when the urea reacts in the soil can burn the roots off the plant. The general recommendation is that you should avoid urea in starter fertilizers as much as possible. If you do have urea in the starter keep the rate low and make sure the placement is at least 2 inches from the seed.

The other type of injury, which is the one we are hearing about this year, is salt injury from too much starter close to the seed in dry weather. The N and K in starter fertilizer have a relatively high salt index. The rule of thumb is no more than 70 lb/A of N + K2O should be applied within 2 inches of the seed. Keep this rate below 10 lb/A if the fertilizer is applied directly with the seed. If there is a high salt concentration around the seed or seedling root system it can draw moisture out of the seed or seedling. The most common symptom of salt injury from fertilizer is reduced germination and wilted, desiccated plants, even if soil moisture is not critically low. The plants will often also show die back from the tips of the leaves. This may help explain some problems growers are observing this year. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about fertilizer injury after it occurs. If the injury is mild and we get rain that will dilute the salts out and the problem should go away. Just keep in mind for future years that you need to watch the starter rate and placement especially under dry conditions to avoid fertilizer injury.

Weather Observer Program — Andrew Frankenfield, Montgomery County Educator

As a farmer your livelihood depends on the weather. A thunderstorm can drench a field of hay or provide much needed moisture to a thirsty corn field. Do you check your rain gauge right after a thunderstorm and compare your totals with your neighboring farmers and neighbors?

Penn State Extension has just the thing for you. You can become a weather observer and be part of a nationwide program called “CoCoRaHS”. CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non—profit, community—based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain and snow). By using low—cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive Web—site, our aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications. There are over 6,000 observers currently reporting in eighteen states.

To view Pennsylvania Data: go to http://www.cocorahs.org/state.aspx?state=pa Click on View Large Map and then click on your county. The current day’s report will be posted; you can go back by clicking the down arrow at the date and click Get Map. Precipitation is measured at 7:00 a.m. every morning and reported that morning.

For more information about CoCoRaHS visit their website at http://www.cocorahs.org/.

Slow Down and Stay Safe on the Road — Mena Hautau, Educator, Berks County

Last week, I talked with a driver who had been forced off the road by a large tractor at night. She was calling to communicate concern for herself and the driver of the tractor. She was relieved that they both had escaped serious injury.

Tractors are implements of power and not necessarily transportation. As producers and employees move loads from farm to field and back, be mindful of speed and other motorists traveling on the roads. Slow down and be safe.

Unsafe driving can lead to upset loads. A worse event could be injury or death to machinery operators or other drivers on the highway. If an operator upsets a load of hay, spills a load of manure or a tank of pesticide mixture, they are responsible for getting help for cleanup and alerting traffic to be cautious. It could be a very costly accident, both directly and indirectly.

Market Outlook — John Berry, Educator, Lehigh County

Spring crops are well on their way to at least a normal harvest. Of course, this means nothing. As anyone knows that ever tried to market grain — a lot can happen over night let alone over several months. There has been the usual ups and downs in CBOT prices lately, but nothing “significant”. We are still at local corn, bean and wheat prices that we wished for the last 9 years. Why is there grain still in the bin? Why are we not forward pricing everything in the neighborhood for this season?

Something I have been thinking about (I am risk averse), We have apparently planted 12 mil. more acres of corn in the U.S. than we did last season. No reason to expect less than average yields at this time. What happens if 1/2 the proposed ethanol plants do not get built? We are sitting on a pile of corn that will nearly reach the moon. I am not suggesting anything, just wondering.

Anyone with CRC insurance on their corn, beans is looking at some fairly good probabilities of profits this fall. Their cash per acre gross revenue is known. They are already spending their money. A regional JD dealer tells me that if I put cash in their hands today they could not guarantee a tractor delivered this fall. The used machine being traded has already been sold also. I believe growers are not getting sound financial advice when they avoid taxes by buying machinery. Some believe you should buy machinery to make money. There will be hard times on the farms and communities of PA when (not if) commodity prices decline. I guess the dairy producers won't mind.

More information can be found at: http://agmarketing.extension.psu.edu/

Grain Range Avg Contract for Harvest
Corn No. 2 4.00-4.30 4.17 3.67-3.72
Wheat No. 2 4.30-4.81 4.53 4.16-4.61
Barley No. 3 2.70-3.40 2.95 2.25-2.50
Oats No. 2 2.00-2.80 2.35 ----
Soybeans No. 2 7.41-7.70 7.52 7.66-7.81
Gr. Sorghum 3.95 3.95 ----
Ear Corn 108.00-122.00 117.50 ----
Grain Range Avg
Corn No. 2 3.31-3.75 3.64
Wheat No. 2 3.61-3.90 3.75
Barley No. 3 1.75 1.75
Oats No. 2 2.00-2.25 2.12
Soybeans No. 2 6.85-7.18 7.02
Ear Corn 105.00-111.00 107.64
SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA
Grain Range Avg
Corn No. 2 3.90-4.11 3.97
Wheat No. 2 4.20-4.51 4.43
Barley No. 3 2.50-2.80 2.65
Oats No. 2 2.15-2.50 2.27
Soybeans No. 2 7.20-7.50 7.33
Ear Corn 100.00-120.00 112.00
CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA
Grain Range Avg
Corn No. 2 4.00-4.10*3.90 4.02
Wheat No. 2 4.10 4.10
Barley No. 3 2.75-2.80 2.77
Oats No. 2 2.30-2.50 2.35
Soybeans No. 2 7.15-7.50 7.32
Ear Corn 111.00-117.00 114.38

Upcoming Events:

Cover Crop Research and Management Summit
June 5, 2007
Tuesday, 9:30am–3:30pm
Penn State Rock Springs Agronomy Farm, Centre Co.
Cost: $10
Lunch and handouts will be provided.

During this cover crop management field day, you will have an opportunity to see and hear about the latest cover crop research at Penn State as well as observe first hand some of the tools and practices being tested. Topics will include choosing cover crops based on farming goals, how to grow or capture nutrients and the importance of carbon and nitrogen, improving soil quality, controlling cover crops including using rollers/crimpers and how cover crops can help control weeds.

This tour will be given by a distinguished group of Penn State researchers from across the college who have cutting edge projects underway focused on cover crops. In addition, Rodale Institute staff will be on hand to share their management experience in organic farming systems. Certified Crop Advisor CEU’s will be available at this event.

You must pre register with Lisa Crytser at Penn State to ensure you have a spot at lunch and on the wagons. Please pre—register by May 30, 2007 by phone (814-865-2543) or email (lac8@psu.edu).

No Till Field Crop Walk
June 6, 2007
Wednesday, 10:00am –12:00noon
David Wolfskill Farm — 3856 North Church Street, Wernersville PA, Berks County

This field day is being sponsored by Penn State Cooperative Extension and the Natural Resource Conservation Service of Berks County and hosted by no—till farmer David Wolfskill. Wolfskill won the 2006 5—acre Corn Club in Pennsylvania with an all—time record yield. The program will give participants the opportunity to view his planting equipment and a new GVM Predator sprayer outfitted with GPS capabilities, air—induction nozzle tips and ground—level loading. A tour of the fields will highlight his no—till crops and a discussion of manure applications. NRCS cost—sharing opportunities for no—till production will also be presented.

No registration is necessary and there is no fee for the event. You may call the Berks Extension office at 610–378–1327 for more complete directions.

Small Grains Field Day
June 20, 2007
Wednesday, 9:30–2:00
Penn State Rock Springs Agronomy Farm, Centre Co.
Cost: $10
Lunch and handouts will be provided.

This field day will showcase our winter wheat and winter barley variety trials, weed control issues and no—till small grain management efforts on the research farm. We will also be addressing crop insurance issues related to quality in small grains and will be reviewing some of the work with winter and spring canola on the farm this year. Certified Crop Advisor CEU’s will be available at this event.

You must pre register with Lisa Crytser at Penn State to ensure you have a spot at lunch and on the wagons. Please pre—register by phone (814–865–2543) or download a brochure at http://smallgrains.psu.edu/ Credit card registrations will be accepted.

American Forage and Grassland Conference
June 24–26 — in State College
For more information check out http://www.afgc.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=42837&orgId=afgc

Combined Agronomy Industry / Manure, Crops, Pests & No—till Field Day
Penn State Landisville Research Farm
Friday July 6th, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Topics will include: Weed Management in No—till; Composting: Mortality and Nutrient Recycling; Nutrient Balance Sheet and Act 38; Farm Bill and Bio—Fuels Updates;
Herbicide Trials and Chemical Industry Updates; and Cover Crop Management. Featured equipment: No—till equipment of all types: Planters, Drills, Residue Managers.
Manure handling and spreading equipment with demonstrations (water only.)
Registrations: Lancaster Extension, 717–394–6851 $3.00 in advance, $5.00 at the door
Questions? Jeff Graybill 717–394–6851. Landisville Research Farm, Dr. Dave Johnson 653-4728

Agronomic Weed Management Research Tour at Penn State
July 10, 2007
Tuesday, 9:00–12:00 noon
Penn State Rock Springs Agronomy Farm, Centre Co.
Cost: $15
Lunch and handouts will be provided.

A number of experiments will be showcased and available for viewing including many of the new corn and soybean herbicide programs plus the latest information on herbicide resistance, cover cropping and weed management research. Certified Crop Advisor CEU’s will be available at this event.

You must pre register with Lisa Crytser at Penn State to ensure you have a spot at lunch and on the wagons. Please pre—register by July 3, 2007 by phone (814-865-2543) or email (lac8@psu.edu).

2007 Penn State Agronomic Field Diagnostic Clinic — July 24 and 25
July 24 and 25
Penn State Rock Springs Agronomy Farm, Centre Co.

The dates and topics for our annual Diagnostic Clinic have been set. As in the past, the Clinic is a one—day event conducted at the Penn State Agronomy Research Farm near Rock Springs, PA. This year’s Clinic will be held on Tuesday, July 24 and then repeated on Wednesday, July 25, 2007. The topics include cover crop selection and management, no—till planter adjustments and attachments for use in cover crops, an overview of biomass crops for alternative energy use, nitrogen management issues, and pest management topics. As always, various credits will be offered.

Registration forms will be mailed and posted on our CMEG website (http://cmeg.psu.edu/) as time gets closer, so you can register and get additional information on each of the topics.

For additional information or comments about the Diagnostic Clinic contact Dwight Lingenfelter at (814) 865-2242 or by email, DwightL@psu.edu.

Ag Progress Days — August 14–16

Contributors: Dept. Crop & Soil Sciences: Marvin Hall, Greg Roth, Dwight Lingenfelter, Paul Knight, Doug Beegle County Extension: Paul Craig (Dauphin), Andrew Frankinfield (Montgomery), Mena Hautau (Berks), Kevin Fry (Armstrong), Dave Messersmith (Wayne), Lee Miller (Beaver County), Joel Hunter (Crawford County) and Mark Madden (Sullivan/Bradford)

Editor:Mark Madden — Sullivan County Cooperative Extension

Upcoming Events

Real time pest and heat unit activity: http://psu.zedxinc.com/cgi-bin/site.cgi?location=2&user=psu#

Calendar of Events: http://www.events.psu.edu/cgi-bin/cal/webevent.cgi?cmd=opencal&cal=cal209&

Readers can subscribe electronically to this newsletter at the Field Crop News Web site.

If you have problems subscribing or wish to cancel your subscription, please contact Lisa Crytser by e-mail at lac8@psu.edu or by phone at 814-865-2543.

Information presented above and where trade names are used, they are supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Penn State Extension is implied.

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