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Post-Flood Crop Advice For Arkansas Farmers
MORRILTON, ARK.
“It’s always good to see you guys; I just wish it was under different circumstances” was the sentiment echoed by every speaker at the Arkansas Flood Recovery Meeting held in Morrilton yesterday. Experts from the University of Arkansas Agriculture and Extension Department spoke on various flood related subjects including impact on organic matter in soil, herbicide applications, re-planting, and lowered yield potentials in affected Arkansas row crops.
The meeting, which included nearly 50 participants, emphasized strategies farmers should consider to salvage already growing crops that have been flooded; and techniques to maximize yields on fields where planting has not yet occurred.
Soybean expert Dr. Jeremy Ross started his presentation by frankly stating, “Maximum yield is not going to happen this year.” Dr. Ross went on to say that growers should get in touch with the state plant board now to get fresh germ and accelerated aging scores on their soybean seed. Ross said he had spoken with the board that morning, and sample turnaround time will be about 9 days.
Dr. Ross continued by saying that the preferred planting method in post-flood fields is drilling with inoculants applied to bean seed. Ross said he had data that shows increased yield and lower urea application with inoculant use.
Entomologist Dr. Gus Lorenz presented next on insect control considerations. Dr. Lorenz warned farmers not to let grass get started in post-flood fields, because the grass will serve as a host for Fall Armyworms. He said that once the grass is killed, the insects will switch hosts to the crop and begin causing damage. Dr. Lorenz encouraged growers to scout their fields often for insects since yield loss potential is particularly high in late planted soybeans. Dr. Lorenz ended his presentation by stating that there are currently no White Sugarcane Aphids in Arkansas, but late planted sorghum will be particularly vulnerable.
Dr. Tom Barber, Extension Weed Specialist, spoke next at the meeting on the effects of moving flood waters on herbicide applications. Dr. Barber cautioned farmers about unknown Atrazine levels in post-flood soil. Dr. Barber said that Atrazine is very water soluble, but there may be a lot still in fields. Barber went on to say that Pigweeds that survived flood waters, and are growing fast, should be attacked with multiple modes of action in herbicides. Dr. Barber also recommended that in fields where corn stands were of varying heights because of water stunting, drops should be used for application.
Wheat and Field Grains Specialist Dr. Jason Kelley spoke next about damage to the Arkansas winter wheat crop. Dr. Kelley drew an audible sigh from the audience when he said that there is no market for wheat with a test weight under 58 lbs/bushel. Although most of the flood affected wheat crop is already considered a total loss, some growers are still hoping to harvest at least some of the fields. Dr. Kelley said that wheat straw that was flattened by flood water should be no till planted with soybeans if possible, because the wheat straw will keep down weed emergence while helping the soil retain moisture.
Rice Extension Agronomist, Dr. Jarrod Hardke was the final crop presenter. Dr. Hardke said rice fields that are coming out of flood waters need to have a skim depth of water held on them to help keep the plants from laying on the ground and becoming stuck to the soil as the field dries. Dr. Hardke also said that weed pressure should be lower in post-flood rice fields, but farmers should use gentler herbicides to keep from damaging water stressed crops.
The final speakers at the meeting were representatives from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). Farm Loan Officer Linley Shurtleff said that the FSA currently has loan funds available. Operating loans of up to $300,000 and emergency loans of up to $500,000 are there to assist farmers. Shurtleff said farmers should contact their local FSA office for more details. ∆
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