This year’s rainfall amounts in some parts of the country have had farmers raising their eyebrows in concern. Wet field conditions have made it a challenge for farmers to access fields and complete tillage, planting, and forage harvest. In a recent “Strategic Farming Field Notes” podcast, educators from University of Minnesota gave insight as to how producers can navigate soggy field conditions.
Extra attention will be focused on areas of fields that may need to be replanted due to excessive rainfall amounts. “The soil has been so saturated for so long that even for the soybeans that have not been underwater or under stress, there’s not much you can do,” said extension agronomist Seth Naeve. Many ponded spots will need to be replanted. If replanting soybeans, Naeve recommended bumping up the population slightly to reduce yield loss. Planting at a population ranging from 175 to 185 plants per acre can help rows close earlier and maintain weed control. “I just tell farmers whatever they can afford to put down, they should bump up their seeding rate,” noted the extension educator. When replanting, using the same planting method as the first time was also highly encouraged.
Stunted plants, unevenness, and color variations are all signs of nutrient deficiencies, but this may not always be the case. Lack of oxygen can often mimic nutrient management deficiencies, warned researcher Jeff Vetsch. Supplemental nitrogen may need to be applied to help promote growth and optimize yields. Generally, the amount of supplemental nitrogen needed varies depending upon field conditions.
“Rarely do we see more than 40 pounds to 50 pounds per acre of nitrogen necessary. With wet field conditions, 60 pounds to 70 pounds per acre may be best,” recommended Vetsch. Ideally, supplemental or sidedressed nitrogen should be applied to corn at the V6 or V8 growth stages, but the researcher explained that it may be beneficial up to stage V14 in wet field conditions. Areas that have not been able to be replanted or that are ponded should not receive supplemental nitrogen. “There is no reason to keep applying to these dead areas; you are less likely to get a return on investment if you put it in places where it is not needed,” said Vetsch.
Although precipitation has made it difficult to complete fieldwork, there are options to consider for areas that were not able to be worked on time. Extension educator Liz Stahl introduced alternative routes such as prevent planting, tillage, and planting cover crops. Since it may not be realistic to go back in and plant corn or soybeans this late in the season, cover crops such as sorghum sudan, millet, oats, and cereal rye can all be options to consider for an additional forage source.
Wet conditions and ponded areas have made it difficult for farmers to complete fieldwork, but doing nothing will only make matters worse. Stahl explained that if nothing is done with these areas, water hemp and other nuisance weeds will start to take over, while the risk of erosion will rise.
