Crop Production
A lot of the fields Brad Beutke farms look flat and black from the road. But as the old saying goes, looks can be deceiving. “There’s a lot of variability out here that you wouldn’t necessarily expect in central Illinois,” says Beutke, who grows 2,600 acres of corn and soybeans near Clinton with his business partner, Rod Wilson.
Prioritize and coordinate opportunities to learn—and then share information
Soil health involves chemical, biological and physical aspects. For now, let’s examine how physical aspects can be degraded over time and how you can improve them.
A 60/40 ratio probably makes you think of crop-share lease arrangements. But that ratio takes on new significance in terms of crop production.
Manage soil microorganisms to pave the way to healthier soil and higher yields.
You can have healthier soil that holds more water by following a three-step approach
Microorganisms allow soil to store and release more nutrients, reducing fertilizer expense
Shoot the slow rabbits first with vertical tillage and lime applications
Manage the carbon penalty, allelopathy and disease to improve soil health and yield
Three mixtures boost soil health by increasing water infiltration and available nutrients
How four farmers found the right cover crop to fix their soil’s problems
All seven states showcased soybean crops that should produce higher yields than 2017, as scouts measured some of the most heavily podded beans ever seen on Crop Tour. The story was the same in corn, except for Minnesota.
Helm announces the signing of an agreement to acquire Extreme herbicide from BASF Corporation.
You can still impact soybean yields this season through fertilizer management
Since yield potential is determined in the first six weeks of growth, phosphorus (P) needs to be available early, especially with cold soil, continuous corn and P-fixation issues.
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium get all of the publicity, but if there was an Academy Award for crop nutrients, sulfur would win best supporting actor.
Correct acidity to create diverse microbial populations, which decompose residue and release soil nutrients.
Sulfur application methods, placement and timing depend on soil conditions in each field.
Dialing in the correct rate of potassium (K) fertilizer based on testing method, leads to a healthy soil–crop–farmer relationship.
Applying nitrogen—corn’s most important and trickiest nutrient—doesn’t do a lick of good if it escapes into the air or, even worse, into water sources before plants can use it.
In the field, farmers need to focus on the four Rs of fertility management: the right product, right rate, right time and right place.
Know where to look for deficiencies to set the stage for preventive management
Potassium (K) regulates water loss and maintains turgor pressure. Identify K-deficiency symptoms in corn and soybeans before drought damages your yield.
Because every farm is different, many practices might be needed to improve soil quality
ADM-Bunge Deal Would Create Cargill-Sized Agribusiness Giant
Farmers and applicators should check state rules before applying the product
Record rain has flooded Midwest streets and snarled Mississippi River traffic, crucial to delivering inputs that farmers need and a major artery in helping them ship products.
Edge-of-field tools save nutrients for crops and keep them out of water supplies
Federal scientists have determined that a family of widely used pesticides poses a threat to dozens of endangered and threatened species, including Pacific salmon, Atlantic sturgeon and Puget Sound orcas.