By Andi Anderson
Recent weather conditions in Ohio—heavy rains followed by dry spells—have raised concerns about two major issues: soil crusting and herbicide carryover. Both are affecting the early growth of crops like soybeans and corn.
Soil crusting forms when heavy rain breaks down surface soil, and the sun then dries it into a hard layer. This crust prevents seedlings from emerging easily, especially broadleaf crops. It also reduces water entry into the soil and increases runoff.
Crusting is more common in fine-textured soils that have low organic matter and have been tilled frequently.
On the other hand, herbicide carryover happens when weed-control chemicals from past seasons stay in the soil longer than expected. Some herbicides, like atrazine or fomesafen, may remain active in the soil, especially if past weather slowed their breakdown.
Dry conditions last summer and cool temperatures this spring likely delayed herbicide degradation, increasing the carryover risk this year.
Together, these problems may lead to crop stress. For example, a seedling pushing through a crust may absorb more herbicide, making it more likely to be damaged. Crusting and erosion can also move herbicides around, creating patchy injury zones in fields.
Farmers unsure about herbicide carryover can test their soil using a simple bioassay with the intended crop. If replanting is necessary, light tillage can help break the crust and reduce herbicide concentrations. Choosing the right residual herbicides for wet weather is also key to minimizing future issues.
By recognizing and managing these threats early, farmers can improve crop health and protect their yield in changing conditions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Ohio, Sustainable Agriculture