The recent rains aren’t causing widespread problems yet for local farmers, according to Purdue Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Chad Rushing.
“Most of our corn is at the stage where it’s going to be able to survive ponding, but it could have long-term yield impacts on just the ponded areas. There could be some nitrogen loss in some of those fields as well, so that could impact yield later on. Most of them are going to be alright. I haven’t seen it to where it’s too excessive,” Rushing said.
He adds the amount of rain we’re getting each week is just about right. Rushing says the soil moisture profile is full, but sandy soil does drain faster than other types. As a result, farmers have not had to irrigate their fields, which is saving them money. However, Rushing says the season’s intense water use period is coming up in mid-July. As to whether any yields will be lost due to nitrogen runoff from the rain, Rushing says there’s no way to tell until harvest time.
