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Crops and wet feet
Dr. Victor Martin
Published: May 28, 2021, 4:55 PM

As of May 25 the Drought Monitor report continues to indicate improvement for soil moisture conditions for the western portion of the state with no real change in our area. None of the rains from Tuesday are reflected in the report.  With the predicted rains today and into Monday, Kansas will stay out of drier soil conditions. The six to ten-day outlook (June 2 to 6) indicates below normal temperatures and slightly above normal precipitation south of Barton County below normal to our northwest. The eight to 14 day outlook (June 4 to June 10) indicates continued below normal temperatures and normal precipitation. This is good news for the wheat crop as it will allow it to mature at a normal rate and not terminate development early. After the anticipated rains today and tomorrow, this should also provide a chance for farmers to get back into the fields. Parts of the state this past week experienced torrential rains and flooding conditions. While the area immediately around Great Bend didn’t, flooded fields are close by. What effect will standing water have on crops in the field?

• First, what factors play a role in how damaging standing water is for crops? How long is the field flooded? Naturally the longer the time the more damaging. How warm is it? Crops can better cope with standing water under cooler conditions. Hot weather stresses the crop more quickly. How deep is the standing water relative to the height of the crop? Having the crop totally under water is naturally worse than if most of the crop is above water. Is the water standing or moving? Rapidly moving water can cause lodging.

• Second, how do flooded conditions effect crops? The root system supplies the whole plant with water and essential nutrients. Root cells, like any other living cells need oxygen to respire so if oxygen is limited, root cells have trouble maintaining themselves and growing, producing new root mass. Roots must constantly grow and explore the soils as that is where most water and nutrient uptake comes from. Just like us, crops aren’t efficient at extracting oxygen from water. If the saturated conditions last long enough, roots die and the crop dies. Even if the crop doesn’t die, the effects of standing water can result in nutrient deficiencies, stunted growth and a lack of turgor (plants wilting). The effects also have to do with the stage of growth. Just germinated or emerged plants are more severely affected more rapidly. The more mature the plant, the better able it is to survive. Even if the plant does survive, several days of standing water is likely to negatively impact yield. Also important is that these saturated conditions can lead to diseases such as root rot, seedling blight, and damping off.

• Third, the type of plant affects the plants ability to handle flooding conditions. Grass crops such as corn, wheat, and sorghum develop a fibrous shallow root system. This root system, concentrated near the soil surface is better situated to survive as it is closer to the surface and be able to obtain oxygen. Broadleaf crops such as soybean, canola, cotton, and alfalfa possess tap root systems. And the root system is much less fibrous. Flooded soils therefore cause serious damage and even plat death more quickly. The saying is that broadleaf crops don’t like wet feet and that’s why.

As always there are more possible effects such as increased weed pressure, loss of nutrients such as nitrogen, and newly planted seeds in standing water for several days will likely see decreased stands.


Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207.
Dirks fills new safety/security coordinator position at The Center
Jerry Dirks - The Center 2025
Jerry Dirks, originally from Albert, is the new safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation. He brings 34 years of public service to the job.
Published: Apr 1, 2025, 10:00 PM

The first full-time safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation, 5815 Broadway Ave., is relying on his 34 years of public service to “ensure the safety of our clients and staff.”

Jerry Dirks has served as a safety officer, special investigator, deputy sheriff, police officer, assistant chief and correctional officer at many entities throughout central Kansas. He also has experience with fire safety and Emergency Medical Services.

“This type of background is a good fit for this new position and I am glad to be of service to The Center,” Dirks said. “I have known for years about its solid reputation as a great community resource because of their many services for those who face behavioral-health issues.”

Responsibilities in the position include analyzing electronic cameras and updating when necessary; risk management; staff safety training; oversight of transportation safety; fire drills and inspections; and guidance for clients and staff during inclement weather.

Dirks noted that he eagerly accepts these responsibilities and also is “glad to again be working with a team face to face.”

His most recent position was special investigator for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, which entailed working out of a home office most of the time.

“I think of myself as a people person and enjoy teaming up with my new colleagues,” Dirks commented. “My experience working with all types of personalities will help me in this new job.

“Also, I still have contacts with local law enforcement and fire officials. I look forward to collaborating with them about all types of safety issues.”

Dirks earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Barton Community College and a bachelor’s in business administration at National College in Kansas City, Mo.

He is certified in first aid and CPR.

Wendy Lockwood, executive director at The Center, noted the safety/security position is especially important now that The Center “is growing in the number of clients and number of services we offer. Since we are a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, we provide not only various therapies and medication, but have also expanded community-based services such as housing, employment and veterans’ support services.

“It is gratifying to have Jerry here to coordinate all our safety efforts as we strive to meet the community’s needs in collaboration with our many partners. Jerry’s extensive background at the local and state levels will be invaluable to us every day.”

The Center for Counseling & Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.