Crop concerns after the rains? MFA agronomists share advice

MFA Incorporated’s agronomy team says top concerns for crops that survive the excessive saturation and flooding include nitrogen loss in corn, seedling diseases and weed control. In fields where the water takes longer to recede, there are also replant considerations. MFA Director of Agronomy Jason Weirich and Senior Agronomist Jason Worthington share these critical steps for growers to take as soon as conditions allow for field inspection.

1. Look at your stand. What’s the overall appearance? Is there enough plant population left for a productive crop or will portions or all of the field need to be replanted?
2. Know how long the field was under water. Both nitrogen and sulfur are subject to loss in wet conditions. Potassium and phosphorus are stable unless the field was subject so soil loss through erosion. If fields were saturated for three days or more, you could’ve lost up to half of your nitrogen, especially if you didn’t use a nitrogen stabilizer. Consider topdressing with nitrogen and adding sulfur if losses are detected.
3. Evaluate your weed control program. If you have a prolonged period of water on the field, herbicide effectiveness and residual control may be compromised.
4. Watch for seedling diseases. Young plants or seed that had not yet emerged are more susceptible to seedling diseases in excessively wet, cool conditions.
   
   Weirich and Worthington advise growers to make honest appraisals of their crops as soon as possible. If there are concerns, call on your MFA experts for advice on what products and practices can put the fields back on track for a productive season.