Cover crops 101: Tips and tricks for getting started

Cover crops are frequently being promoted for the impact they have on reducing nutrient and sediment losses as well as improving soil health. There is no doubt that this is the case. Research across the United States has repeatedly proven these benefits. As a result, interest in cover crop use has risen dramatically over the last decade. However, such interest has not lead to widespread adoption of cover crops in Iowa. In 2015 it was estimated that approximately 500,000 acres of cover crops were planted in Iowa. That’s less than a half percent of the row-crop acres. Poor establishment, spring termination, impact on yield, and timing of seeding and termination are frequently cited as reasons cover crops are not adopted. Yet farmer champions can be found across the state that have adopted and excelled in using cover crops. Here are some best management practices that should be considered for beginning cover crop users

A Guide to Choosing Corn Hybrids

When you think about which hybrids to plant next season, make sure to take into account all the relevant factors. When selecting hybrids, prioritize yield potential and risk management. There are a number of other components to consider as well, including transgenic options, disease tolerance, maturity, grain dry down, standability, stalk quality, and early season vigor ratings

On-Farm Corn Row Spacing Trials

Over the past several decades there has been a shift in corn row spacing from the traditional 40-in. rows that were needed so horses could fit between the rows, to 38-in., 36-in., and the most popular 30-in. rows. The narrow row spacing usually has resulted in increased yields due to it allowing more space between the plants within the row. More recently there has been interest in seeing if a narrower row spacing (15-in. or 20-in.) will further increase corn yield

Corn planting decisions: What’s changed and what’s the same?

Corn planting is arguably the most important field operation. Wide sweeping decisions from hybrid selection, row spacing, and seeding rates to planter adjustments, seed depth, and field conditions all come together the day planting occurs. It is a perfect storm where all these decisions align to achieve ideal stand establishment and set the stage for high yield potential

New Approaches to Soil and Water Management is Workshop Focus

Agribusiness agronomists and farmers who want information on new practices to improve soil and water quality have two opportunities in December to learn from Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach specialists. Soil and water management workshops will be held Friday, Dec. 16 at the Marshall County Extension office and Tuesday, Dec. 20 at the Carroll County Extension office. The program runs from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at both locations