Sincerely, 

                                
Mike Staton                                                Dan Rajzer
MSUE Agricultural/Natural                           County Extension Director, Cass County
Resource Agent, Van Buren Co.

Soybean producers should make sure that their sprayers are set up to achieve the maximum level of control of soybean rust and soybean aphids before the need arises. The specific parameters for achieving maximum control of these pests are listed below:

1. Select nozzles or a combination of a nozzle body and two nozzles that produce dual flat fan patterns. One spray pattern should be angled toward the front of the boom and the other should be angled toward the rear. This combination of spray patterns provides the best deposition of droplets into the canopy. If you decide to use two nozzles on an angled body, each nozzle should be sized to apply ½ the output produced by the recommended single nozzle.

2. Apply 15 to 20 gallons of water per acre. Twenty gallons per acre is recommended as it has been shown to improve plant coverage.

3. Set your sprayer to deliver between 50 and 60 pounds of pressure per square inch. Again, the higher end of the range is recommended to improve coverage.

Select the speed at which you plan to operate the sprayer. Speeds greater than 7 mph may reduce leaf coverage.

Select nozzles that will produce medium-sized droplets (200-300 micron VMD) under the parameters listed above. Fine droplets will not reach the lower leaves and larger droplets won’t provide adequate coverage.

Early-Planted Soybean Considerations

The entire month of May has traditionally been the time to plant soybeans in Southwest Michigan with most growers waiting until they have finished planting corn. However, soybean planting has been delayed in the past several growing seasons due to frequent and heavy rains in early May. Many growers have realized that their early-planted soybeans produced higher yields than their later-planted beans in these years and they are interested in planting soybeans earlier than normal. The risks and the benefits of early planting will be summarized in this article. Specific management practices for early-planted soybeans are also provided.

One of the biggest advantages of early planting is that it provides a longer planting window for attaining maximum yields. Data from the University of Wisconsin and The Ohio State University indicate that beans planted on May 1 will yield about seven bushels per acre higher than beans planted during the last week of May. Beans planted during the last week of April have produced slightly higher yields than those planted on May 1. University agronomists have also found that the newer soybean varieties are more tolerant of adverse, early season conditions than older varieties.

The primary risk of early-planting is that the beans will be damaged by freezing temperatures. This risk is mitigated to some degree by the fact that germination is delayed under the cooler soil temperatures. Soybean tissue is also more resistant to freezing temperatures than corn tissue. Typically, temperatures must reach 28 degrees F for damage to occur. There is also risk that soil-borne diseases may damage soybean seed planted into cool soils. Sudden death syndrome and bean leaf beetles are also more likely to attack early-planted beans.

If you decide to plant soybeans in the last week of April, you should consider the following recommendations.

Don’t plant unless the soil is dry enough to support equipment. Shallow soil compaction will haunt you the remainder of the growing season.

Treat the seed with Apron or Allegience fungicides.

Till the field or clear the residue away from the row to allow the soil to warm up faster and reduce the likelihood of frost damage.

Plant in fields at higher elevations with good air drainage to reduce the likelihood of frost injury.

Early-Planted Corn Considerations

One way that growers can reduce the likelihood of planting delays is to begin planting earlier. Research conducted by the University of Minnesota shows that corn planted in April produces the highest yields. This remains true even if populations are reduced and the stands germinate unevenly. Corn seed requires about 100 growing degree days to germinate and emerge regardless of the planting date. Corn planted in mid-April may take 25 days to emerge whereas corn planted in late May will emerge in 5 to 7 days.

The benefits of early planting include a longer planting window for obtaining optimum yields, higher overall yields, higher test weights, lower drying costs in the fall, and reduced lodging.

The risks of early planting are that the crop may be damaged by a late spring frost and replanting may be required. The risk is minimized as cool soil temperatures delay germination and emergence. Soil temperatures must reach 28 degrees F to damage the growing points on small seedlings or plants that have not yet emerged.

If you plan to plant corn early, consider these recommendations.

1. Till only when necessary and be patient in no-till fields.

2. Do not plant unless the soil is dry enough to support equipment and allow planting equipment to operate properly.

3. Never plant before April 15th

4. Plant corn seed 1.5 to 2 inches deep. If you plan to plant 1.5 inches deep, make sure your planting speed is 4.5 to 5 mph and your closing wheels are packing the soil over the seed adequately.

5. Increase your seeding rates to achieve 110% of your desired harvest population.

6. Use Bt corn borer hybrids or plan to scout early-planted fields closely and be ready to treat for first generation European corn borer larvae.

7. Consider using Bt rootworm hybrids when planting near April 15^th. Rootworm seed treatments and soil applied insecticides may breakdown or leach beyond the roots and not provide adequate protection from rootworm larvae feeding in late May to early June.

Potash Management Strategies

Potash prices have increased significantly and supplies may be limited. Growers will need to make careful decisions about how to allocate this expensive and essential nutrient across their acreage. The recommended steps for making this decision are listed below:

1. Test your soils and set realistic yield goals

2. Understand Michigan State University’s potassium recommendation scheme (figure 1). In the build-up range, nutrient recommendations exceed crop removal rates until the critical level is attained. Once the soil test level has reached the critical level, the soil is capable of providing enough potassium to produce 95 to 97% of the soil’s maximum yield potential. In the maintenance range, nutrient recommendations are equal to crop removal rates. The difference between the critical level and the maintenance limit is either 25 or 30 ppm for most crops. In the drawdown range, nutrient recommendations are less than crop removal rates.

3. Know the critical soil test levels for K (Table 1)

Table 1. Effect of CEC on Critical Soil Test Levels for Potassium

Cation Exchange Capacity	Critical K Soil Test Level(ppm)
4	85
6	90
8	95
10	100
12	105

4.  Know K₂O crop removal rates (Table 2)

 5. Be able to predict how your fertilizer allocations will affect crop yields and future soil test K levels. Remember that the critical soil test levels are high enough to attain 95 to 97% of the yield potential for the soil type. Potash fertilizer applications will not produce significantly higher yields at these soil test levels. To determine how soil test K levels will change, you should consider that crops must remove 4 lbs. per acre of K₂O in coarse-textured soils and 12 lbs. per acre of K₂O in fine-textured soils to reduce the soil test K level by 1 ppm. You must add these same amounts to increase soil test levels by 1 ppm.

• For 150 bushels of corn/acre

• 150 bu x .27 lbs./acre = 40.5 lbs of K₂O /acre removed by the crop
• Remember it takes 4 lbs. of K₂O to change the soil test by 1 ppm
• 40.5 ÷ 4 = 10 ppm

Micronutrient Recommendations
There are several factors that determine if economic returns from micronutrient fertilizer applications are realized Make sure you understand each of these before purchasing and applying micronutrients.

Is the crop responsive to the micronutrient? Crops vary in their responsiveness to micronutrients. Use the table below to determine which micronutrients your crops will respond to. A crop that is highly responsive will usually respond to the application of that nutrient when soil test levels are low. A crop having a medium response rating may or may not respond to a micronutrient application. Crops rated as having a low response will probably not respond to nutrient additions even when the soil test level is low.

Corn growers are interested in placing their fertilizer closer to the seed than the traditional 2 x 2 placement. If you plan to place your starter fertilizer near the seed you should consider the following information.

Fertilizer placed in direct contact with the seed has the potential to reduce germination. This is especially true when planting into dry soil. As a general rule, never apply more than 5 pounds of N plus K₂O on soils having CECs of 5 meq/100g or less and no more than 8 pounds of N plus K₂O on soils having CECs of 8 meq/100g or more. Ammonium thiosulfate and/or boron should not be applied in direct contact with the seed as they are known to adversely affect germination.

Anhydrous ammonia is a key ingredient in the illegal production of methamphetamines. The drug makers have recognized and targeted agricultural nurse tanks as a source of anhydrous ammonia for years. Farmers and agribusinesses should take steps to prevent anhydrous ammonia theft to help curtail the illegal production of methamphetamine and prevent health injuries from accidental releases of anhydrous ammonia. The following ways to prevent anhydrous theft were extracted from Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet AEX-594.1 “Preventing Theft of Anhydrous Ammonia”.

Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Strategies

Nitrogen fertilizers are expensive and may become unavailable to your crop. Because of this, corn producers will need to manage nitrogen fertilizer carefully to remain profitable in 2005. Listed below are some strategies for getting the most from your investment in nitrogen fertilizer.

Understand what happens to the nitrogen fertilizer you apply.
Studies have shown that only 40 to 60% of the nitrogen you apply is taken up by your crop. Another 20 to 30% remains in the soil after harvest and 10 to 20% becomes unavailable to plants during the growing season. The losses are due to three processes, volatilization, leaching and denitrification. Volatilization occurs when fertilizers containing urea undergo rapid hydrolysis in the soil. Significant losses of ammonia gas can occur. Nitrate-nitrogen is susceptible to losses from leaching and denitrification. Leaching is most likely to take place in coarse-textured soils. Denitrification of nitrate-nitrogen occurs under saturated conditions on fine-textued soils. Over 100 lbs. of nitrogen per acre can be lost from denitrification in five days under the proper conditions.

Select your nitrogen fertilizers and understand their management requirements.
The three main nitrogen fertilizer sources are anhydrous ammonia, urea and urea ammonium nitrate solutions (UAN). Anhydrous ammonia is still the least expensive form of nitrogen. It must be injected 6 to 8 inches deep and the slot must be sealed to prevent losses. If applied properly, it is the most stable nitrogen source as it is the slowest fertilizer to be converted to nitrate. Urea is subject to volatilization losses. Volatilization occurs rapidly under warm air temperatures in fields having low CEC’s, heavy residues and adequate moisture. These losses can be reduced by incorporating the fertilizer with tillage at least 1-3/4 inches deep or by at least 3/4 of an inch of irrigation or rain fall. Urease inhibitors are available to mix with the fertilizer and prevent volatilization for 10 to 14 days following a surface application. The urea will not be available to plants during this time. UAN solutions are comprised of half urea and half ammonium nitrate. Therefore, half of the nitrogen is subject to volatilization losses. About 25% percent of the nitrogen is in the nitrate form at the time of application and is subject to losses from leaching or denitrification.

Identify the most economical nitrogen application rate
The first step is to determine your price per pound of actual nitrogen and the market price you expect to receive for your corn. Determine the corn to nitrogen price ratio from Table 1. Next you will need to set realistic yield goals for your fields. A realistic yield goal is the average yield you attained in the field for the last five production years for that crop. Find the point on table 2 where your yield goal and your corn to nitrogen price ratio intersect. You may have to interpolate between rows and columns. This is the most economical nitrogen rate for this field.

Adjust the nitrogen application rate for all possible nitrogen credits.
Corn growers can reduce their nitrogen fertilizer application rates by taking credit for the nitrogen contributions from legumes, manure applications and the soil. The credits should be subtracted from the most economical nitrogen rate determined above. Soybeans will contribute 30 pounds of actual nitrogen to the following corn crop. Established alfalfa and clovers will contribute between 40 and 90 pounds of actual nitrogen depending on the plant population. Manure can be an excellent source of nitrogen. The pre-sidedress nitrate test is a proven method for determining the nitrogen contributions from manured and non-manured fields. Do not take nitrogen credits when growing wheat. Wheat’s peak demand for nitrogen occurs earlier in the growing season before organic nitrogen has been converted to plant available forms.

Apply nitrogen fertilizers at the optimum time
Always apply at least 20 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre in a 2 x 2 band at planting time. Increase this amount to 30 to 40 pounds per acre when planting into heavy residues. Ideally, the rest of your nitrogen should be applied in early June as this coincides with the beginning of the crop’s peak demand for nitrogen. By applying most of your nitrogen in June, you will significantly reduce the potential for nitrogen losses due to leaching and denitrification. If you must apply your nitrogen prior to planting, consider using a nitrification inhibitor. These products can delay the conversion of ammonium to nitrate by 4 to 10 weeks. Nitrification inhibitors will work best if the nitrogen fertilizer rate is slightly deficient. Please see table 4 to determine the probability of realizing an economic return from nitrification inhibitors.

One of the advantages of being in the northern part of the United States is that we have a built-in detection and monitoring system for diseases and insects that are brought up from southern weather patterns. As conditions become favorable for movement of pests from the deep south, we receive reports from in-between states of their advancement of soybean rust.

USDA offers an internet website that you can use to follow the development of soybean rust as its advancement is mapped with updated commentaries. This site can be located at http://www.sbrusa.net and will give you daily updates of areas that have been scouted and the general location of confirmed sites. As of March 29^th two sites were confirmed in west central Florida. Additional, scouting has taken place in southern Texas with no confirmed rust. As the season progresses, more and more states will be reporting to this site. This is part of a nation-wide scouting program to help growers keep abreast of soybean rust development.

Additional Soybean Rust Website Information

North American Plant Disease Forecast Center http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/pp/soybeanrust

Timely updates of soybean rust detection in southern states with “current forecasts” that include regional weather, trajectory weather (likely path of spore movement) and current threat level (high, medium, low).

USDA – Soybean rust Information Site http://www.usda.gov/soybeanrust

A one stop resource where you can get the latest on surveillance, reporting, predictions (including maps) and management of soybean rust for the 2005 growing season. Includes federal, state, university and industry-coordinated efforts.

The Southern Plant diagnostic Network http://spdn.ifas.ufl.edu/soybean_rust.htm

A number of these decisions are related to planter adjustments and operation. Other day-of-planting decisions relate to seeding depth, seeding rate, and hybrid planting order. Factors that impact these decisions include soil moisture & temperature conditions, surface soil conditions, short-term weather forecasts, and variability among your available seed lots for hybrid vigor, seed quality and seed size.

Planter Decisions. For pneumatic planter metering systems, you should prepare a checklist for every seed lot you have in the shed prior to planting that includes each seed lot’s seed weight (seeds per lb), the appropriate air or vacuum pressure, and the appropriate seed disc or drum. The latter two items require that you find the planter operations manual that has been collecting dust since last year. Keep this checklist with you during planting and refer to it when you change hybrids to ensure that you adjust the planter accordingly and avoid variable seed spacing.

Adjustments to the down pressure of the furrow closing devices (wheels, fingers, etc.) should be made according to the soil conditions of every field you plant, and may vary day by day during the season. Use only enough down pressure to firmly close the seed furrow. Excessive down pressure can compact the soil above the seed and restrict the emergence of the corn seedlings. Obviously, inadequate down pressure may leave open furrows, especially in no-till systems.

Adjust the depth and tension of no-till coulters to match soil conditions. Do not cut deeper with the coulter (in line with the disc opener) than the depth of seeding. Excessively deep coulter action can disturb too much soil below where the seed lands, making it difficult for the closing wheels to adequately firm the soil around the seed.

Remember that excessive down pressure at the parallel linkages (i.e., heavy-duty no-till springs) can lift the planter frame AND

the drive wheels, resulting in uneven operation of the planter transmission and subsequent uneven seed spacing or seeding population. Ensure that the planter units are parallel or level to the ground when the planter is in operation to avoid problems with disc opener depth, press wheel efficiency, and seed to soil contact.

Planting speed should not exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations because of the risk of uneven seed spacing. For most planters, the optimum range of speeds is 5 to 6 miles per hour. If you’re hell-bent on planting faster than this, at least do yourself a favor and check seeds in the row once in a while for accuracy in spacing and depth.

Remember to faithfully use graphite lubricant with finger-pickup seed meters at a rate of 1 tablespoon per bushel of seed. If you discover excessive seed treatment is building up on the fingers or meter backplate, then use more graphite. Remember to faithfully use talc powder with vacuum seed meters at a rate of 1 cup per bushel to prevent sticky seed, especially under humid conditions.

Diligently lubricate the chains and bearings of the planter every day. This is best done at the end of a planting day when the chains and bearings are warm. Use a multi-purpose spray lubricant on the planter chains, not chain lube or old motor oil, because such lubricant dries better, is less sticky, and is less of a dirt magnet the following day.

Crop Management Decisions. Choose an appropriate seeding depth according to the field conditions & weather forecast. The primary goal is to aim for a depth that will ensure placement of seed into uniform soil moisture. Spatial variability for moisture in the seed zone is probably the most common cause of uneven germination and emergence of corn. As a rule of thumb, I recommend seeding depths no less than 1 ½ inches. If necessary, do not hesitate to plant as deeply as 2 or 3 inches if that is what it takes to reach adequate and uniform soil moisture. Check the actual depth of seeding frequently from field to field or day to day. Actual seeding depth can vary from the targeted planter setting as soil conditions change.

Remember that rapid and uniform corn germination and emergence will not occur when soil temperatures are less than 50^o F. Seedling establishment will also not occur rapidly and uniformly if soil temperatures remain cold. Cool soils are especially likely when planting early and/or in no-till with heavy surface trash.

For these reasons, improve the odds of successful stand establishment when planting early in the season by strategically planting the various hybrids at your disposal. Early in the planting season, plant hybrids with excellent seedling vigor ratings and warm germination ratings. Save the hybrids with merely average seedling vigor ratings and warm germination ratings for later in the season when soils have warmed significantly. If you have access to cold germination ratings for your hybrids, similarly begin planting with the best cold germination seed lots and end with the average lots.

Avoid planting early with seed lots whose seed size is excessively or unusually small (e.g., 35 lb 80k bags). Most of the time, seed size is of no consequence in performance of a given seed lot. However, evidence from research in Wisconsin years ago suggests that such unusually small seed can be at a disadvantage when germination/emergence and early stand establishment conditions are severely limited by cold soils.

Generally, most Indiana corn growers should aim for final plant populations at harvest in the range of 26- to 30,000 plants per acre. Under ‘normal’ planting conditions, this target requires seeding rates between 28- and 33,000 seeds per acre to account for normal rates of germination failure and seedling mortality. Early in the season, consider using seeding rates that are 5 to 10% greater than what you would normally use if you expect greater than normal mortality rates due to cold and ‘crappy’ conditions with early planting.

The cost of drying corn may increase next fall due to increases in natural gas and propane prices. The worst case scenario would be to have poor field drying conditions combined with high fuel prices. You can’t control the weather but you can buy your propane in June at the seasonal low price and plant earlier maturing hybrids that yield well. The following table will help you decide when to switch to earlier maturing hybrids should you experience significant planting delays. These recommendations will yield the greatest net income per acre in most growing seasons.