MSU Extension Drought Resources

Field Crops

• Drought implications on fertilizer management

  Published on July 25, 2012
  Because of reduced grain yield, farmers may be able to credit for some of the carryover phosphorus and potassium for the next year’s crops.

• Yellow, stunted alfalfa may not be entirely due to drought

  Published on July 25, 2012
  Potato leafhopper numbers are above threshold levels in some alfalfa fields around Michigan.

• What is evapotranspiration and why it matters

  Published on July 25, 2012
  Under drought conditions, plants may not be able to extract water fast enough to keep up with evapotranspiration.

• Warm-season grass as a livestock feed during the drought

  Published on July 24, 2012
  Many areas in Michigan are experiencing severe drought this summer including a very long stretch of hot and dry weather.

• Drought irrigation management

  Published on July 24, 2012
  Michigan and Indiana are in midst of the greatest agriculture water challenge seen for decades, making changes can allow you to get the most from the resources available.

• Feeding wheat to stretch swine and beef rations

  Published on July 20, 2012
  Farmers faced with drought-stricken crops can stretch animal feed rations by feeding wheat in place of corn.

• Managing alfalfa during drought

  Published on July 20, 2012
  Adjusting harvest management during drought may salvage some yield and aid alfalfa recovery.

• Harvesting drought-stressed soybeans for forage

  Published on July 19, 2012
  Feeding drought-stressed soybeans to livestock is an option, but make the decision carefully.

• Managing red clover that was frost-seeded into wheat

  Published on July 16, 2012
  We don’t have a drought everywhere in Michigan!

• Can improving your soil quality decrease your risk during a drought?

  Published on July 16, 2012
  I think the answer is yes!

• Seeding a cover crop after wheat harvest

  Published on July 16, 2012
  What are my choices for seeding a cover crop after wheat harvest?

• Assessing corn growth and development for yield potential during drought

  Published on July 13, 2012
  Southwest Michigan shares corn belt drought conditions while farms search for yield estimates

• Sprayer considerations for improving spider mite control in soybeans

  Published on July 12, 2012
  Equipping and operating your sprayer correctly is critical to controlling spider mites in soybeans.

• Potassium fertility impacts hay and pasture performance during drought

  Published on July 11, 2012
  Adequate levels of soil potassium enables crops to better withstand stress.

• Drought: Implications for near-term management decisions in field crops

  Published on July 5, 2012
  The recent trend in higher than normal temperatures paired with lower than normal precipitation puts Michigan field crops at risk.

• Regional reports on Michigan field crops – June 28, 2012

  Published on June 28, 2012
  MSU Extension educators’ pest and field crop updates for Michigan.

• Sorghum species crops as a drought emergency crop

  Published on June 28, 2012
  Drought conditions have been regionalized across Michigan and other Midwestern states. Sorghum species crops can be planted in droughty areas to supplement forage supply of dairy and beef producers.

• Regional reports on Michigan field crops – June 21, 2012

  Published on June 21, 2012
  MSU Extension educators’ pest and field crop updates for Michigan.

• The hidden costs of insurance pesticide applications to field crops

  Published on June 21, 2012
  Some growers may be considering preventative applications of fungicides and insecticides to field crops. But just what are the impacts of preventative or insurance pesticide applications on insect or mite control?

• Potential for spider mites, especially in southern Michigan

  Published on June 21, 2012
  The upcoming dry weather may set up a potential outbreak of spider mites. Judging the need to treat an infested field can be difficult. A descriptive rating system can help you make a treatment decision.