Agronomy eUpdate April 6th, 2023

Issue 950

Starter fertilizer for corn - Nitrogen placement and rate

Starter fertilizer is typically considered as the placement of a small rate of fertilizer, usually nitrogen and phosphorus, near the seed at planting time. Producers can apply most of the nitrogen needed by corn at planting as long as the fertilizer placement provides enough soil separation between the fertilizer and the seed.

corn spring planting fertilizer starter fertilizer in-furrow 

Spring planting update - Soil temperature and moisture

Planting date is one of the most critical factors to decide on for row crops such as corn and soybean. Rather than just calendar dates, please consider basing this decision on soil temperature and moisture. Optimal soil temperatures for the emergence of row crops indicate a minimum of 50 degrees F for appropriate corn germination and early growth.

soil moisture spring planting soil temperature planting date 

First hollow stem update - April 6, 2023

This is the latest report tracking the development of first hollow stem in winter wheat grown at the South Central Kansas Experiment Station. As of April 3, all 21 varieties have reached this growth stage. Cattle should be removed from wheat pastures if these are to be harvested for grain yield.

wheat dual purpose grazing first hollow stem 

Effect of early planting dates on soybean yield

Early planting dates have been promoted as a management practice that can increase soybean yield. This article summarizes research conducted in northeast and north central Kansas to determine the effect of early planting dates, seed density, and maturity group on soybean yield.

soybeans planting date maturity group early planting 

Insect activity update - alfalfa weevils

The first pest problem affecting alfalfa every year is usually the alfalfa weevil. It's important to start scouting alfalfa fields and pay attention to treatment thresholds. If left unchecked, alfalfa weevils can defoliate plants prior to the first cutting.

insects alfalfa alfalfa weevils 

How common are spring freezes after April 1 in Kansas?

After a cold March, April started out warm in Kansas. This report discusses the likelihood of varying thresholds of freezing temperatures in Kansas after April 1. The impact of low temperatures on newly emerged crops will vary depending on how low the temperature drops, the duration of the low temperatures, and other factors.

freeze cold temperatures hard freeze 


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