Walking Rows: ISA research agronomist update – April 24

April 24, 2025 | Kriss Nelson

Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) research agronomists report significant progress in planting across the state. Despite the beneficial rainfall, there are concerns about soil crusting, herbicide damage to seedlings from late spraying, and difficulties terminating cover crops. 

Alex Schaffer - Central/South Central Iowa 

Farmers in central and south central Iowa have been busy over the past few weeks. It started in early April with everything from anhydrous ammonia, dry fertilizer, stalk leveling and herbicide application with planting ramping up April 10 through Easter Sunday. 

Farmers report planting conditions have been prime, making it hard to slow down even if the calendar had just passed April 15. 

I have no concerns for the crop at this point. I'm happy with the amount of work done and the yield potential in front of the many acres already planted. Rain caused soil temperatures at the 4-inch depth to dip slightly over the past weekend, but they have rebounded to the mid-50s and forecasts show them mostly rising over the coming week. 

Many fields will begin emerging next week. Due to high winds over the past few weeks, many farmers could not apply pre-emergent herbicides. Once winds calm down and soil conditions allow, they may be tempted to get that application in. But, with that comes a potential risk. 

I advise digging for seedlings before you send the sprayer to the field. With the moisture we've had, and now some warmer weather, there could be some soybean seedlings closer to the surface than you expect and would be put at risk for herbicide injury. 

Overall, my outlook on things this spring is great. I see low risk for seedling disease or injury from the cold at this point. I know moisture is a concern and will continue to be, but fortunately, we got a pretty good rain over the weekend, and areas in my districts received some this week, with potentially more on the way.  

Again, be cognizant of seedling proximity to the surface when making post-planting herbicide applications, and when it dries out, finish planting strong. 

Shane Beck - Northeast/Northern Iowa  

Planting progress in north central and northeast Iowa was off to a quick start ahead of the rain on Sunday. Farmers planted a fair amount of corn and soybeans in my area, and some farmers had entirely finished one crop. 

This week, we received some much-needed rain to help replenish the soil. Before the rain, consistent moisture was found near the 2-inch mark in the soil. 

Prior to returning to the fields after this round of rainfall concludes, it is important to remember to check soil conditions. We do not want to get back into the fields too early and cause sidewall compaction and smearing from wet soils.  

Farmers should also check the conditions of the corn planted on Saturday ahead of the cold rain, as it could cause some germination issues. 

There could also be some crusting of soil because of heavier rain that fell on freshly-tilled soil. 

Mikaela Connelly - Southwest/West Central Iowa 

There has been a lot of equipment rolling the past couple of weeks in my district 4 and district 7 in the southwest and west central parts of the state. Farmers began planting in that area two weeks ago, and I anticipate early-planted acres to emerge within the next week. 

Overall, we are low on moisture, which has been the trend the past couple of growing seasons. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of district 4 has been abnormally dry, with some areas of that district and district 7 classified with moderate drought conditions. We welcomed the moisture received last weekend and this week, as it will hopefully ease some of those dry conditions. There are some areas with standing water. If that is the case, the crops planted in those areas could be prone to early-season diseases, such as damping off.

According to the Soybean Research Center, pythium can reduce crop stands by causing damping off of developing seedlings and is often associated with cold and wet soils. 

Noting these areas now can help as we progress through the growing season. 

 

With the recent moisture, I would advise farmers to be aware of potential crusting of soils in their fields, as this could influence emergence.  

I'm noticing some cover crop fields that still need to be terminated. We should double-check the herbicide's effectiveness and whether the cover crop died. Should the weather turn warm and wet, completing the termination in the field could be problematic due to wet soils and cover crop growth.  

For more details on terminating cover crops, refer to page 22 of the Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) Insights Report. 

Craig Woods - Northwest Iowa  

 Like many other farmers statewide, northwestern Iowa farmers have been busy planting. 

Dry conditions allowed plenty of fieldwork to get done ahead of much-needed rain for the area, considering that specific portions were experiencing minor drought conditions. 

The rain, with some forecasted warm weather, could promote quick drying, which could cause soil crusting in the coming weeks. Soil crusting can cause yield loss in emerging seedlings if it damages them sufficiently or prevents them from breaking the surface. If crusting is a concern, shallow field work (sufficient to break the crust) is an option; this may be crucial for fields already planted and crusted over.  

Continue to monitor soil conditions and moisture levels that will promote the success of planting and emergence.  

Lucas De Bruin - Southeast/Eastern Iowa 

Estimates put planting in eastern Iowa's district 6 at 25%, while southeastern Iowa's district 9 is over 50% complete.  

Near Oskaloosa, corn and soybeans are out of the ground so you can row from the road. The claim is that those soybeans were planted at the end of March. 

I have heard reports from 1 to 3.3 inches on Sunday, with more added this week. The good news is that if any mistakes were made in the last two weeks, this rain would help alleviate them. Rainfall hides numerous planting problems; for example, issues with seed depth, closing wheels, and disc openers. A timely rain will help with emergence and get the plant started more evenly. Keep aware of soil crusting concerns if the weather turns hot and dry. 

Despite the delay, the rain was much needed. Once it dries, I foresee soil conditions being conducive for excellent planting. We will find out in the fall if the delay caused issues. 

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