Harvest on soybeans has begun and we are generally pleased with the early yields. Organic corn is still growing under the irrigation which is a good sign that it will stay healthy, and it’s adding test weight and ear girth. Stalk quality looks good, so field dry-down doesn’t appear to be an issue.
Looking back thru the spring and summer and wondering what we should have done differently. Planting early was tempting, but hindsight tells us we are glad we didn’t get it in. The cool down and wet weather in early May made weed control difficult for some growers. Discipline is key for us.
The other major item we are watching from spring is the effects of dry humics that were applied to the soil in the spring. Typically, these humics should take 2 to 3 years to have a lasting impact on nutrient availability. Once the crop is harvested, we will see if the yield map picks up the check strips that were left.
Fall work is coming, it’s fun to reap the rewards of the crop, but also thought-provoking when considering what to try differently the next crop year. We know that we have to apply humic this fall to continue the 3-year trial and check strips. We also will pull soil samples in a 4-acre grid to identify how many nutrients we have taken from the soil and what areas need additional fertilizer or ag limes. This data allows us to properly place nutrients and make decisions to get the most even-growing field possible.
