Crop Sciences

AGRI-NEWS - Issue 23 - 10, October, 2002

• Coming Events
• September Summary
• Weather
• Crop Report
• Insect Report

Coming Events

• Oct. 14 - Columbus Day Observed
• Oct. 16 - National Boss Day
• Oct. 27 - Daylight Savings Time Returns
• Oct. 31 - Halloween

Weather: How could anyone ask for a nicer month? The last “really good” rain was August 23, when we got 1.59 inches. We recorded only 5 days with precipitation, and the heaviest of those was 0.50 inches on the 15th of September. So far, September has been the driest month this year, and the 2nd driest behind 1979 which recorded only 0.11 inches of rain. We recorded 7 days with temperatures into the 90’s and 3 days with nighttime lows in the 30’s. We came very close to a repeat of our early frost record of September 23, 1995. September was also the 2nd warmest September behind 1998 by only 0.13 degrees. The monthly GDD accumulation is 3rd behind 1998, and 1986. Our total rainfall for the growing season (April through September) was 29.47 inches; which is 6.62 inches above the Normal.

Crop Report: With all the warm days, corn and beans developed rapidly as have the late fall insect pressures. We have seen large numbers of grasshoppers and stink bugs in our crops. The stalk strength of many of our corn hybrids appears to be a little weak this year. Many of our plots have corn that is going down without the aid of any adverse weather factor. We started corn harvest on Sep 11 with moistures running in the mid 17% range. Yields have been rather good despite the spottiness of the rainfall in the region. The following Nitrogen Rate Study is typical of many of the plots on the Center. Once again, this study defied the “textbooks” in that Continuous Corn yields were better than the Corn/Soybean Rotation yields.

The soybean yields in this Study have been very consistent, and at first glance it would appear that yields dropped as N-Rates were increased in the previous years corn plots. This brings into play the question of carry-over N, and the amount of N realized from the decomposition of soybean residue and decaying rootstocks. So many factors come into play in the decomposition process and the ultimate release of N for the subsequent crop that it is difficult to see benefits or detrimental effects.

Insect Report: The Illinois Suction Trap Network report for the week ending Oct 4, 2002 indicates a lively catch at this location. We garnered the top catch of Soybean Aphids for the Network this week. We also had a fair number of Corn Leaf Aphids caught as well. We need to remain vigilant about the soybean aphid catches in this area.

Harvest here at the Center should be completed by mid-October if all goes well. The soil surface is very dry and soil sampling to any depth beyond 6 inches or so will require a Sumo Wrestler!

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