Field Crops

June crop water needs

Published on June 15, 2023
If soils are depleted of moisture beneath the developing plants, irrigators need to supply enough water to help establishing roots grow down into natural soil moisture.
Drought resources for Michigan farmers

Published on June 15, 2023
A look at options for managing drought in the short and long term.
Surviving the dry spell: MSU Extension's drought website provides vital resources

Published on June 8, 2023
Drought conditions are always troubling, but MSU Extension resources are available to help producers and landowners make the best management decisions for them.
Drought and high temperature impact on wheat yields in Michigan

Published on June 7, 2023
The recent dry spell and high temperatures has growers and agronomists asking how this will impact wheat yields. Here is an overall summary of conditions and links to resources.
Dry forecast: How will that impact weed control?

Published on June 1, 2023
Weeds under environmental stress are hard to control.
Considerations for irrigating wheat

Published on May 22, 2023
Irrigating winter wheat or rye is a tool to help double crop growers.
Pesticide Cost Comparison Decision Tool for Field Crops

Published on October 13, 2022
The Pesticide Cost Comparison Decision Tool for Field Crops provides farm producers with an ability to consider pesticide products and their costs within integrated pest management strategies.
Irrigation to help get the crop started

Published on June 2, 2022
Irrigators have the advantage of being able to apply water to aid germination, emergence, and incorporate herbicides and nutrients. If rainfall is short, irrigation can prevent early season drought.
Forage Management & Supply in a Drought

The MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast on June 17, 2021, focuses on forage management and supply in a drought, presented by Kim Cassida, MSU forage specialist.
Consider drought-motivated irrigation purchases carefully

Published on June 8, 2021
Hot, dry summers sometimes result in quick irrigation investment decisions that may be regretted
Dry conditions will impact early season weed control

Published on May 26, 2021
What do dry conditions mean for weed management?
Fall and winter drought could cause challenges in crops

Published on April 22, 2021
Below normal precipitation during the fall and winter has resulted in a decline in groundwater levels. Producers need to prepare for potential challenges, especially if they irrigate crops.
Moisture stress and high temperature effects on soybean yields

Published on July 9, 2020
How soybeans respond to moisture stress and how yield is reduced by stress occurring at various growth stages.
Feed management: Drought stressed corn silage

Published on October 3, 2018
Choppers are out on multiple fields across Michigan, but what adjustment are needed when chopping and feeding drought stressed corn?
End of season cornstalk nitrate test in a drought year

Published on September 12, 2018
The end of season cornstalk test is a useful diagnostic tool that provides an overall assessment of nitrogen fertilizer practices. The test has to be interpreted with caution in a drought year.
Make a plan for drought-stressed corn silage in 2018

Published on August 28, 2018
Hot, dry weather conditions can damage corn and have the potential for toxic levels of nitrates in corn silage.
Drought and potassium deficiency in corn and soybeans

Published on July 26, 2018
Potassium regulates the opening and closing of plant stomata. Consequently, crops with insufficient potassium are much more susceptible to drought.
Fall fertilizer practices following a drought season

Published on November 8, 2016
Fall is a good time to adapt fertilizer best practices following a drought year.
Drought conditions taking a toll on Michigan’s field crops

Published on August 11, 2016
Deepening drought conditions and adequate moisture in the western Corn Belt may cause a “double whammy” for some Michigan growers in 2016.
Spider mite spraying in Michigan field crops: Brand new cheat sheet

Published on August 1, 2016
We’ve got perfect spider mite conditions due to this summer’s dry weather and the arrival of August. Irrigation can complicate decisions. Here are tips to get any sprays right.