A Week Without Rain?

U of I professor says planting is more important than N application at this point.

Published on: May 18, 2009

Finally, today's weather forecast did not include a chance for rain for the entire week.

 

Barring a change in fortune, that means Central Illinois farmers will finally be in the field. This is great news for me as well. I finally have a reason to get out of the office.

 

As you start fieldwork, University of Illinois' crop science professor Fabian Fernandez recommends prioritizing it according to 1. herbicide application 2. planting 3. N application.

 

While the rain is sure to cause some N deficiencies, Fernandez says not to worry about pre-plant N at this point. He recommends sidedressing N later in the year. Right now, planting is more important, he says. And the herbicide? Don't underestimate weeds' ability to suck water and nutrients away from plants, he adds.

 

Good luck to everyone this week. Remember to be safe.

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