This information was summarized from an April 22 teleconference with Iowa State University Extension crop field specialists.
- Statewide, most of the preplant anhydrous ammonia and dry fertilizers have been applied.
- Rainfall, hail, and light snow were reported during the past week.
- Corn planting ranges from 15 to 40 percent completed in the southern counties to 1 to 20 percent completed in the northern counties. One field planted on April 9 was emerged on April 19.
- Soybean planting has just begun in some areas of the state.
- Weeds including field pennycress, dandelion, and shepherd's purse are growing in untilled and unsprayed fields. See related article on page 38 of the April 8, 2002 Integrated Crop Management Newsletter.
- Alfalfa fields look good, with no reports of winterkill. Some fields in southern Iowa are eight to 10 inches tall. A few alfalfa weevils were reported in a field near West Liberty.
- Oats are up. Both oats and winter wheat (in southern Iowa) are looking good.
- Pastures are actively growing, especially those where fertilizer was applied.
This article originally appeared on page 54 of the IC-488 (6) -- April 29, 2002 issue.