Parson, Kansas —
Area corn farmers are strongly encouraged to consider applying additional nitrogen to their corn crop. The “nitrogen watch” feature on the MU Extension nutrient management Website [http://plantsci.missouri.edu/nutrientmanagement/] indicates that all of west central Missouri is in the “danger” zone, because it is currently on track to have 16 or more inches of rainfall during the April 1 to June 30 time frame. Many areas within west central Missouri have already received well over 16 inches of rain from April 1 to present day and for well- to moderately well-drained soils in these areas, they are poised to have significant yield losses due to nitrogen deficiency.
MU Extension fertility specialist Peter Scharf noted that “anyone growing corn in Missouri who hasn’t applied additional N after planting, should be.” A significant yield response is expected to occur in fields where a rescue nitrogen application is made. Broadcast urea is a cost effective and safe nitrogen source, across all growth stages of corn. Urea causes little yield loss due to leaf burn, at any stage. UAN solution is another option that can be considered for rescue N applications; however, UAN solution should be applied with drop nozzles. In many fields, nitrogen is needed at rates near or in excess of 50 lbs N per acre. When seeking to correct for nitrogen deficiency and recover yield potential, it is important to use an appropriate and adequate nitrogen rate.
It is not too late to apply nitrogen to corn. Corn has shown a remarkable ability to respond to mid-season nitrogen applications, even past the silking stage. University of Missouri and University of Nebraska research has demonstrated that in years with nitrogen shortages, there is a strong yield response to nitrogen through the R2 (blister) growth stage.
If you are interested in participating in an on-farm research study, investigating the yield response to in-season nitrogen applications to corn, please contact Julie at 816/776-6961. MU Extension would like to establish field trials throughout Missouri, to quantify the amount of yield we’re able to recover from rescue nitrogen applications.
Crops
Heavy rainfall has Mo. corn in need of N
- Crops
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Unpredictable weather requires corn management
Bob Nielsen suggested that corn growers should look at a variety of management techniques to give crops the best chance at success - regardless of the weather.
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Herbicides affected by spray water pH
A series of studies at Purdue University has shown that spray water pH and hardness can reduce the effectiveness of herbicides, making it vitally important for crop producers to test water sources.
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Assessing winter wheat for spring nitrogen application
Wheat requires good growth in both the fall and spring to realize its yield potential. In the fall, the wheat plant needs to develop a vigorous root system and several healthy tillers.
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Warm weather should not harm Kansas wheat crop
Jim Shroyer, Research and Extension agronomist at Kansas State University, says that despite the warm temperatures, winter wheat still has winterhardiness and can withstand colder weather.
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Post-drought forage recovery discussed
The extreme heat and drought last summer not only took their toll on producers but also on cropland and pastureland.
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Mild weather causes concern for wheat crop
Unusually mild and wet conditions in December and early January caused wheat to green up and created concern about whether the wheat is more susceptible to cold injury if temperatures were to drop sharply.
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USDA decodes corn defenses for improved pest resistance
A clearer picture of corn's biochemical responses to insect and fungal attacks is emerging.
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Farmers show optimism for 2012 Kan. wheat crop
Rain and snow events the last two weeks of December have put the 2012 Kansas wheat crop in good shape.
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Wheat growers should address top-dress needs
Wheat producers should be making plans to accurately assess their crops’ topdress nitrogen requirements.
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MU specialist discusses using wheat straw as an alternative winter feed
Wheat straw is not a high protein or energy source, but if supplemented properly it can be used for bred cows in five and six body condition scores.
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Unpredictable weather requires corn management
