June heat in Kansas: High temperatures can stress livestock and corn
The month of June has been hot across many locations in Kansas. The combination of heat and drought stress during certain growth stages in corn can be problematic. Read more from Cropping Specialist Ignacio Ciampitti and the Kansas Climate team.
Nitrate toxicity in drought-stressed corn
Drought-stressed crops such as corn and sorghum tend to accumulate high levels of nitrate in the lower leaves and stalk of the plant. It is wise for producers to test their drought-stricken forage prior to harvest.
corn livestock drought stress nitrate toxicity forage testing
Management options for stressed corn
Where dryland corn has been under severe drought or heat stress, producers have to decide whether to leave it and harvest for grain, salvage the crop for silage or hay, or leave the crop in the field for its residue value. Learn more about each of these options in this article.
Biomass production and nutrient uptake of drought-damaged corn
Many farmers across Kansas must make a decision on how to get the most from their drought-damaged corn this year. A number of factors should be considered when assigning a value to drought-damaged corn. Nutrient removal from the field is one key aspect since biomass can export significant amounts of nutrients.
Nitrate toxicity in drought-stressed corn and sorghum
Drought-stressed crops such as corn and sorghum tend to accumulate high nitrate levels in the lower leaves and stalk of the plant. Nitrates accumulate when stresses reduce crop yields. Farmers should test their drought-stricken forage prior to harvest. High levels of nitrate can be toxic when fed to livestock.
Critical timing in Kansas: High temperatures and corn development
The July heatwave came at a particularly critical period for the Kansas corn crop this year. Heat stress will have more of an impact on corn during the reproductive stage of growth when combined with drought stress. Stress conditions were very severe in parts of central, south central, and southeast Kansas.
corn drought stress heat stress corn development pollination
Dryland corn considerations for 2022
Dryland corn in many parts of western KS is struggling. Elevated levels of nitrates are a common concern with drought-stressed plants. This article discusses the best options for these corn fields. Failed dryland corn may fill a gap for livestock producers with limited forage options. Testing prior to feeding will be particularly important.
Drought and heat stress in Kansas soybean fields
Dryland soybean fields have started to experience heat stress combined with long periods without rainfall. This article reviews potential symptoms of drought and heat stress on soybeans. Producers should scout their fields for signs of stress in order to make timely decisions as the growing season progresses.
Causes of yellow wheat - Weather and disease factors
Wheat producers may start seeing some wheat fields turn yellow during this time of the year. There are several reasons for yellow wheat in the spring, including weather conditions during the winter and spring and diseases. Learn more about these factors in this article.
disease yellow wheat freeze injury drought stress cold injury
Test for nitrates in failed wheat before grazing
Due to prolonged extreme drought conditions, many wheat stands across Kansas are thin and short. Some producers are deciding to graze out their wheat due to very low yield potential. Under certain environmental conditions, cereal grains like wheat and oats, can accumulate potentially toxic nitrate levels.
Corn development in Kansas during recent high temperatures
Kansas is in the midst of an impressive heat wave. The impact of this heat is causing concern, particularly related to corn development. This article compares this growing season to conditions in 2022, looking at the number of Stress Degree Days. What does this period of heat stress mean for the yield potential?
corn hot weather drought stress heat stress crop development
Nitrate toxicity in drought-stressed corn and sorghum
Drought-stressed crops such as corn and sorghum tend to accumulate high nitrate levels in the lower leaves and stalk of the plant. It is wise for producers to test their drought-stricken forage prior to harvest. Levels of nitrates can increase in drought-stressed plants after a rain and delaying harvest may be beneficial.
Biomass production and nutrient uptake of drought-damaged corn
A number of factors should be considered when assigning a value to drought-damaged corn. Nutrient removal from the field is one key aspect since biomass can export significant amounts of nutrients. Other factors to consider include the need for residue cover to prevent erosion and conserving soil moisture.
Drought and heat stress impacts on soybeans in Kansas
Over the last week, impressive heat has taken hold of Kansas with absolutely no precipitation statewide. Dryland soybean fields are experiencing significant heat and drought stress. This article covers important information related to this stress, including the yield impacts and the use of failed soybeans as a forage.
soybeans drought high temperatures drought stress heat stress
Alfalfa management options for short or drought-stressed stands
A recent eUpdate article from early September discussed the best time for the last cuttings of alfalfa ahead of the winter months. This article answers some questions related to the last cutting for stands that are shorter than normal or are under drought stress
Nitrate toxicity in drought-stressed forages
Drought-stressed crops tend to accumulate high nitrate levels in the lower leaves and stalk of the plant, which can be toxic to grazing animals. Crops such as forage and grain sorghum, sudangrass, hybrid sorghum-sudan, and pearl millet are notorious nitrate accumulators. Corn and other cereal grains can also accumulate potentially toxic levels of nitrate.