The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, July 5 indicated no real change for our area as we continue in moderate drought, although the northeast portion of the county improved to abnormally dry. The rains of Wednesday night aren’t reflected in this data. The six to ten-day outlook (July 12 to 16) indicates a 40 to 50% chance of above normal temperatures and normal to slightly above normal precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (July 14 to 20) indicates a 33 to 40% chance of above normal temperatures and normal precipitation. As we are entering mid-July and summer is half over, where do we stand for our summer crops?
• First, we live in a unique area, especially our soil types. Near and south of the river, lighter (sandy) soils predominate while north of the river heavier soils ranging from loams and silt loams and even some clay loams are common. This results in great differences in water-holding capacity and drainage. Naturally, lighter, low organic soils hold less moisture for crops and stress occurs more rapidly.
• And as is typical most years, summer row crop conditions and stage of growth vary due to a wide range of planting dates for full season crops and double-cropping. This will discuss the “average” for the area.
• Wheat harvest is essentially over and the Tribune has been posting updates. As expected, yields were quite variable depending on a number of factors including the length of any fallow period, did it follow soybeans, corn etc., soil type, and hit or miss precipitation.
• Corn conditions are variable, although the corn that was planted in a timely manner is starting to tassel and silk. We have had rain when we absolutely needed it. Yes, corn is short, which really shouldn’t affect yield, as height is determined by how rapidly heat is accumulated and soil moisture. While temperatures above 85 degrees, especially above 95, don’t help, the concern is really with nighttime temperatures. To insure good pollination, temperatures in the 60’s and even 50’s are best as pollination occurs overnight. Seventies and above can greatly decrease pollination. On the plus side, higher humidty helps some. Irrigated corn overall looks okay.
• Grain sorghum (milo) planted earlier looks much better than the later planted fields and there is some grin sorghum that was double-cropped. The earlier planted milo has a better-established root system and can better explore the soil for water. Milo is still a ways away from flowering. Milo, unlike corn, can essentially idle for a period of time before flowering to wait for better conditions. The key is for it to flower before the end of August and that gives producers a 95% chance of it maturing before a frost.
• Soybeans are also all over the place. Fortunately, more producers are planting earlier and that helped establish the crop. Fields are starting to flower and set pods. The real key time for beans is coming up as we head into August, but overall not bad.
• So far, most fields are holding on, however, we will need timely rains. It would appear as of today, we are looking for an okay but hardly fantastic year.
Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
