AGRI-NEWS - Issue 23 - 09, September, 2002
Coming Events
- Sept. 11 � Patriot Day 2002
- Sept. 22 � First Day of Autumn
| August Summary |
Average Maximum |
Average Minimum |
| Sod Soil Temperature |
79 °F |
75 °F |
| Bare Soil Temperature |
90 °F |
72 °F |
| Air Temperature |
85 °F |
64 °F |
| Departure From Normal |
+ 0.22 °F |
+ 2.35 °F |
| Air Temperature Extremes |
(8/2) + 96 °F |
(8/8) + 51 °F |
| August Precipitation Through 8/31/2002 |
4.46 in |
|
| Departure From Normal |
+ 1.06 in |
|
| 2002 Cumulative Precipitation 1/1 - 8/31/2002 |
34.59 in |
|
| Cumulative Departure from Normal |
+ 8.70 in |
|
| 2001 July Precipitation |
4.47 in |
|
| 2001 Cumulative Precipitation 1/1 - 8/31/2001 |
29.13 in |
|
| 2002 Growing Deg. Days 1/1 - 8/31/2002 |
2980.50 |
|
| GDD Departure From Normal - 2002 |
+ |
|
| 2001 Growing Deg. Days 1/1 - 8/31/2001 |
2960.00 |
|
| 2002 July Pan Evaporation 8/1 - 8/31/2002 |
|
|
| July Pan Evaporation Departure from Normal |
|
|
| Seasonal Pan Evaporation 4/1 - 8/31/2002 |
|
|
| Monthly Wind Run |
1478.6 mi. |
|
Weather: The wispy dry weather clouds
continue to float overhead as we pass through 15 days without rain. We
are lucky in that we did have a few showers about two weeks ago while
there are areas that have gone all summer without rain. We recorded 11
days in August with rain, and two of those rains were in excess of 1
inch. We are only 2.92 inches below our average for the entire year.
So far, only February and March have been less than Normal in rainfall.
We recorded 10 days with air temperatures into the 90�s. We ended the
soil moisture tube data at the end of August. With this years crop virtually
made, and little interest in the data that we were collecting, we decided
to terminate some of the items that we are doing. We have noted that
moisture moves within the soil rather slowly and that a time lag is present
when we do have a rain event. Also, water moves at different speeds within
the profile based upon the degree of soil structure. The basic wetting
time and pattern for the timber soils is different than the prairie soils,
thus affecting the infiltration rates of both soils.
Crop Report: Some of the early
Group II soybeans are nearing maturity. Many of the Group III varieties
are showing large numbers of leaves turning yellow. Pod set and fill
appear to be rather good at this time. Some varieties are commencing
to lodge which will slow harvest to some degree.
The corn crop is ready in many areas of the region and harvest is in
full swing for most of this part of the State. Some of the late planted
corn is still a few weeks away from being ready, however, with hot dry
weather we have had in the past 3 week, maturity is being rapidly pushed
along. Some of the early corn that we have taken out is testing 16.5%
to 18% moisture. Stalk strength is not good at this time either. Several
of our studies have considerable corn that has been infested with corn
borer and weak stalks persist across treatments. Yields have been relatively
good so far judging from the gross amounts of corn taken from known acreages.
Wheat sowing time is rapidly approaching for those of you that still
practice this farming operation. Please keep in mind the �Fly-Free-Dates�
for your area. A few examples would be: Adams Co. Sep. 30-Oct.1, Schuyler
Co. Sep. 29-Oct. 1, Pike Co., & Morgan Co. Oct. 2-4, Greene Co. Oct.
4-7, and Jersey Co. Oct. 6-8. Check the Wheat Performance in Illinois
Trials 2002 for variety selection data.
ORR Center Events: Plans are being made
for the August Field Day (Aug. 13). The topics below depict the scope
of the event.
FALL FIELD DAY: The Pretour event held on Aug. 12 was very nice
and I thank all who came to the event and especially those that took
part in the little program. We estimated about 185 people present for
the function. Our annual Field day, held the next day, only had 61 people
register. Each tour stop topic was given twice and the last one was during
a small drizzle. Needless to say, we came very close to being rained
out for only the second time in our history. Many of those present was
glad to see the rain. Once again, I want to thank the speakers and all
those that participated in the two events for a memorable Pretour and
Field Day.
SUPERINTENDENTS RETREAT: The Crop Science Research Center Superintendents
and other faculty and staff met on Aug. 13 and 14 for our �mid-summer�
meetings. Deliberations took place following the Annual Field day and
an in-depth tour of the Center was taken on Wednesday. I want to thank
Drs Heichel and Nafziger for coordinating the �Supers Retreat�. This
group visits a different Research Center each year for this meeting.
Notes: Please notice the change in my e-mail address below. Attempts
are being made to �standardize� all the U of I Campus�s.
Have a safe harvest! Take rest breaks periodically and walk around your
equipment occasionally. Sitting for long hours in the same position causes
drowsiness and allows error to creep into your operations.
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