Wheat Development Delayed about 2 Weeks this Year

Carrie Knott, Extension Agronomist-Princeton, University of Kentucky

We all know that this year has been an unusually cold year.  I am sure many if not all of you have visited your wheat fields to determine the effect this year has had on wheat growth and development.  At the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center at Princeton, KY, visually the wheat crop is about 2 or 3 weeks delayed. 

Significant Nitrogen losses suspected in Kentucky Wheat Crop

Edwin Ritchey, Extension Soil Scientist-Princeton, University of Kentucky
Carrie Knott, Extension Agronomist-Princeton, University of Kentucky

Lloyd Murdock, emeritus, University of Kentucky

Unseasonably cold temperatures and frequent precipitation events this winter have presented very unique wheat management problems for Kentucky producers. The soil throughout much of Kentucky remained frozen until the end of February, which resulted in delayed wheat development. As of today, much of the state has only reached Feekes 2 or 3. This is the recommended growth stage to make the first application of nitrogen (N) for producers that utilize a split N application program for winter wheat production. Compared to most years, this represents about a 2-3 week delay in growth. Some producers began applying N on frozen ground in late January to reduce potential soil compaction issues later in the season and to provide flexibility for later management operations. Unfortunately, several rain events occurred after N application while the soil was still frozen and which increased the potential for N loss with surface runoff water.

University of Kentucky Student Learns about US Ag in China

Please see this excellent article written by Katie Pratt. John is a graduate student working on high yield soybeans funded by the United Soybean Board. He had a great opportunity to see how our ag products are marketed and used in China. Click here for the article.

Soybean High Yield Checklist

Chad Lee, Extension Agronomist, University of Kentucky

These soybeans went 90 bu/A
and hit every point on the checklist.

Based on the responses to the Corn High Yield Checklist we decided to define the key parameters to getting high soybean yields. You will see a lot of similar points between this checklist and the one for corn. Both of these checklists are intended to be a framework for where high yields start.

Soybean High Yield Checklist

Checking for Soil Compaction

Edwin Ritchey, Extension Soils Specialist, University of Kentucky
Lloyd Murdock, emeritus, University of Kentucky

Soil compaction stunted this corn.

Crop yields may be limited by soil compaction. Subsoiling is the most common method used to alleviate soil compaction, but is a time consuming and costly operation. If soil compaction is suspected, it is best to identify the areas in the field where it exists, what depth the compaction begins, and what depth the compaction ceases. The best method to document this information is with a soil penetrometer. Most county Extension offices have penetrometers that may be borrowed to make these measurements.

Timing of Wheat Cover Crop Burndown

Chad Lee, Extension Agronomist, University of Kentucky, Lexington
Carrie Knott, Extension Agronomist, University of Kentucky, Princeton

Cover crops can be excellent systems to capture excess nutrients and reduce the risk of erosion over the winter months. The most common cover crop used is wheat but other species are gaining popularity. The timing of cover crop removal is important to the success of the primary crop. When possible, cover crops should be killed a minimum of two to three weeks before planting the primary crop. While killing the cover crop before planting the primary crop is preferred, there are some positive reasons for waiting to kill the cover crop after planting. Both options will be discussed.

Corn High Yield Checklist

Chad Lee, Extension Agronomist, University of Kentucky

The margin for corn profits are projected lower in 2014 and producers are more interested in what programs and products will increase yield and profit. Before we discuss specific programs and products, let us take a moment to define some of the key parameters for getting high yields. There are several things that when done correctly will result in excellent corn yields. Here is the checklist.