Although summer droughts are undoubtedly tough for farmers, wet seasons present their own challenges. Overly rainy conditions inevitably cause crop issues that can linger until harvest. If left untreated, these issues can affect both yield quality and quantity. Follow these guidelines to minimize the impact of wet conditions and keep your crop healthy and manageable:
- Treat plant diseases: Leaf, stalk and ear diseases are unfortunately common during rainy periods. However, early detection can minimize the effects of yield-robbing diseases. Fungicides can treat some of the most common diseases.
- Monitor nitrogen loss: The loss of nitrogen in significantly wet fields is a major factor in how susceptible plants are to disease. Nitrogen deficiencies reduce standability due to cannibalization of the stalk, leading to fallen corn and slower combining. Stalk issues can also reduce yield. Though nitrogen is not typically added after mid-summer, farmers should consider extra application during particularly wet summers.
- Manage water levels: Investing in additional tiling or ditches can help reduce extra standing water, which in turn decreases the chances your fields will be affected by uneven plant growth.
Contact your Golden Harvest Seed Advisor with questions or for additional agronomic insights.
Photos are either the property of Syngenta or used under agreement.
Syngenta hereby disclaims liability for third-party websites.