By Andi Anderson
Corn growers in the eastern Corn Belt are facing a difficult 2024 season. Wet weather caused delays in planting for many farmers, and even those who planted early may face challenges. However, there is still hope for good yields with proper management throughout the rest of the growing season.
While early planting can boost yields, it's not a guarantee. Even with late planting, several factors can influence success. The key is making informed decisions for the remaining growing period.
Wet weather's lingering effects include compacted soils and root restrictions that can hinder plant development and reduce yields for years to come. Additionally, hot and dry weather since mid-June has stressed crops.
Here's what growers can do to improve their chances of achieving top-end yield potential:
Scout fields regularly. Regularly monitoring fields allows for early detection of problems and timely intervention.
Control weeds effectively. Choose weed control programs that target existing weeds and prevent future infestations. Work with an agronomist to ensure both weed control and crop safety.
Look for nutrient deficiencies. Saturated soils can limit nutrient uptake, even in fields with adequate fertility. Watch for signs of deficiencies like sulfur or nitrogen and address them if necessary.
Monitor for diseases. Certain crop diseases can be controlled if caught early. Be aware of diseases like northern corn leaf blight and take action if needed. Disease presence can also inform future decisions about crop rotation and variety selection.
Despite the challenges, there's still potential for good yields in the Eastern Corn Belt. By closely monitoring their fields and making informed decisions, growers can maximize their crop production in 2024.
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Categories: Ohio, Crops, Corn