Figure 1. Several herbicide options are available for managing volunteer corn in soybean. Management in corn will be more challenging. (Photo by Jenny Rees)
Volunteer corn is a competitive weed in the corn/soybean cropping system and if not controlled, may result in a yield penalty and contribute to survival of gray leaf spot and western corn rootworm. Consider these options for managing volunteer corn in soybean and corn.
Figure 1. Corn losses last fall are leading to widespread volunteer corn in crop fields this season. If not controlled, they could lead to yield reductions. (Photo by Jenny Rees)
With postemergence herbicide applications occurring to corn, consider these best management practices to improve results and reduce the potential for off-target injury from your dicamba application.
As you finish planting, consider installing ETgages and soil moisture sensors before crop roots interfere. Then join the hundreds of farmers contributing their data each week to the Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Network, a valuable tool for managing your crop.
This spring many Nebraska livestock producers facing low forage supplies may be looking for new sources, such as from wheat. This Nebraska research on harvest timing suggests how to optimize feed value from wheat forage.
Figure 1. Corn plant with first leaf completely damaged, second leaf partially damaged, and tip of third leaf – the part exposed to the wind – partially damaged. Photo taken in eastern Clay County, May 15. Corn damaged by dust storm on May 10.
This week several corn fields in south central Nebraska were surveyed to assess damage and longer term effects on stands after last week's high winds and resulting dust storms. While many plants were seriously injured, many would be expected to recover.
Winter wheat in the Nebraska Panhandle continues to be rated above average with most of the wheat rated good to excellent. Winter wheat in the west central, south central, and eastern areas is more varied, as described in this wheat progress and condition report.
Planting date studies conducted on UNL's East Campus showed yield decreases of 1/4 bu/ac (2003) and 5/8 bu/ac (2004) for each day after May 1 that soybean were planted.
The benefits of planting soybean near May 1 are well documented. Now, what are the next steps growers can take to further expand on these benefits? Are different maturity groups warranted? What groups are typically being used in irrigated and rainfed environments in Nebraska?
