GREATER BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (RFD News) — Recent heavy rains across parts of the Corn Belt are raising concerns for soybean growers as wet conditions increase disease pressure.
Bayer Technical Manager Jason Carr said waterlogged soils can also prevent soybean plants from taking up nutrients properly.
“We’re starting to see some of the effects of that at this point. If you drive by some fields, I’ve noticed some areas where there’s some yellowing on the newer leaves. I think a lot of that is nutrient deficiency from the waterlogged soils. The plants have not been able to take up nutrients sufficiently. In some cases, the rhizobial bacteria on the roots have been killed or at least not been able to function well. When there’s no air movement in the soil, we’re going to see some problems, and one of the things we’re seeing showing up is some nutrient deficiency.”
Carr said red crown rot and white mold are among the disease concerns and is urging soybean growers who recently received rain to scout their fields for problems.