The drought monitor report as of Jan. 2 shows a continued marked improvement. Over 20% of the state is out of drought. The six to ten-day outlook (Jan. 9 to 13) indicates a 50 to 60% chance of leaning to below normal temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of above normal precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Jan. 11 to 17) indicates a continued 50 to 70% chance of leaning below normal for temperatures and normal to a 33 to 40% chance of above normal precipitation. This is an encouraging change in the moisture trend. We need to see how the week’s forecasted snowfall is.
Many have the idea that during this time of year, crop producers can simply sit back and take it easy. While it may slow down a bit, there is still plenty to do and plan for. Today, what are good producers doing winter.
• First, those with the 2024 winter wheat crop in the ground will start to pay close attention as we move into February, days get longer, and temperatures start to warm. They need to evaluate the wheat stand, estimate the number of tillers, and get a good idea of soil profile moisture and consider the precipitation outlook from NOAA. Based on that, they will determine a realistic yield goal. Next comes decisions regarding soil nitrogen needed for that yield. They know what they applied in the fall, but it might be a good idea for a soil profile nitrogen test. They also need to determine what their herbicide protocol needs are. Monitoring the crop, especially as wheat starts to green up is important for any potential disease pressure. And if neighboring fields are greening up but parts or all of their fields aren’t, it pays to check for cutworm pressure. Finally, on sandy soils, it pays to consider the need for sulfur and also potentially chloride deficiencies, depending on the variety.
• For those with alfalfa, determining fertilizer needs for 2024 is important. While not needing to worry about nitrogen, they need to consider P (phosphorus) needs along with S (sulfur). Sulfur deficiencies can especially be a problem on sandier soils. Two ways to accomplish P and S needs. One, looking at what the field tonnage was, a producer can figure out how much P and S were removed and figure on replacing that amount. Two, the better way, is to take a P soil test now and an S test in late march/early March. Then based on a realistic yield goal, determine P & S needs. It’s also important to evaluate the stand on older fields. Even with excellent management, alfalfa fields have a limited life span. While the stand may still be adequate, a thinning stand may require more attention with herbicides to control weeds. Some of the older, but effective, herbicides are applied while alfalfa is dormant.
• If you are a strip tiller but haven’t strip tilled fields yet, moisture permitting, now is a good time to strip till and perhaps even put some fertilizer down in the strip. This gives times for settling and providing a good seedbed.
• An it’s an excellent to look over fields for spring planting, both what happened last summer and what the fields look like to insure a clean, weed free seedbed at planting.
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.
