The summer monsoon season has once again struck Richland County.
It seems like every year we get heavy rains and endure flooded fields in some portion of the county. This year has been no different. We have had some extremely heavy rains in the northern part of the county, especially in Christine, Colfax and Abercrombie, but the entire county was affected to some degree with reports of 4-plus inches of rain.
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Flooding affects on crops
Prolonged soil saturation affects crop growth and yield. Corn is very sensitive to flooding in the early vegetative stages, especially prior to the fifth or sixth leaf stage. In early growth stages, corn or soybeans can survive for only two to four days under water in anaerobic conditions. Moderate water movement can reduce flood damage by allowing some oxygen to get to plants, keeping it respiring and alive. Drainage within one or two days increases its chance of survival.
The injury extent to seedlings is determined by the plant stage of development at ponding, duration of flooding and the air and soil temperatures, as well as if auxiliary buds are present on damaged plants.
If temperatures are warm during flooding (greater than 77 degrees), plants may not survive 24 hours. Cool temperatures may prolong survival. However, cold, wet weather favors disease development. Seed treatments are effective, but limited in protection. Seedling development slowed or delayed two to three weeks allows soil-borne pathogens a greater opportunity to cause damage. Seed rots, seedling blight, corn smut and crazy top affect corn plant development later, even though ponding occurred earlier. Delayed soybean growth allows diseases such as Fusarium root rot, Phytophthora and Pythium rot to establish and weaken or destroy seedlings. Carefully assess damage before deciding to replant or before tearing up the existing stand.
Rotted seed or damped-off seedlings will reveal probable crop losses. Evaluate intended stand to the damaged seed, the uniformity of the stand, the original planting date versus a replant date, likely replant pest control and seed costs as well as projected crop prices. Weigh these costs and price projections against replanting yield gains to evaluate crop injury and replanting gains.
On surviving stands, remember that favorable weather for plants after ponding is important. Cultivation, once soils are dry enough, will open and aerate surface soil and promote root growth. Be careful working the soil. Working wet soil causes compaction that varies crop growth.
An additional nitrogen application in corn may be necessary in fields that show signs of yellowing or uneven growth. A late test for nitrate when corn plants are still 6-12 inches tall can determine if more nitrogen is needed.
Maintain a good weed control program so crop plants are not robbed of nutrients and moisture later in the season.
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