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Whether it's too much rain or perfectly timed rain, many fields are flooded or too wet to continue planting in many parts of Iowa. Delayed and preventative planting crop insurance dates are fast approaching with an unfavorable weather forecast. Decisions surrounding your delayed and prevented planting provision need to involve a conversation with your crop insurance provider. There is a nice article available on the Ag Decision Maker website that talks about the insurance provision implications. Additionally, there is are articles addressing Late Corn Planting Options and Late Soybean Planting Options; these articles discuss late planted yield potential. Each choice has practical and economic implications; approach this decision with caution and armed with good information.
If prevented planting is taken, it is highly recommended to plant a cover crop or an emergency forage crop rather than letting the field be fallow through the summer. Please note; under prevented planted provisions a cover crop or emergency forage CANNOT be grazed or harvested for forage until after September 1 (updated from November 1 based on press release from USDA RMA)and cannot ever be harvestedfor grain without reduction to prevent plant coverage payment. Please discuss this with your crop insurance provider.
Cover Crop Options and Considerations
Winter Cereals (Rye, Wheat, Triticale) can be planted as early as August with good success of winter survival and high forage yield potential in spring. Minimum seeding rate of 45 pounds/acre for cover, but twice that to maximize a forage harvest in spring. Best success when planting is followed by rainfall. Drill seeding is more uniform than broadcast or aerial seeding. Winter cereal rye is generally the most economical.
Spring Cereals (Oats, Wheat, Barley) can be planted anytimebefore September 15. When planted early they will likely produce a seed head that will shatter causing some reseeding.
Soybean can be planted as a prevent plant cover crop option. It is recommended to plant in rows narrower than 15-inches or broadcast seed. Row crop planters can be used by planting at a ½ seeding rate in the normal row direction followed by planting perpendicular, at an angle, or offset from the original row. Use a seeding rate of 60,000 to 80,000 seeds/acre, maybe slightly higher if broadcast seeding. Narrower rows and lower seeding rate will support branching to achieve canopy closure more quickly for weed competition. For consideration, soybean might be a viable option to use treated seed that has already been purchased.
Corn can be planted as a prevent plant cover crop option. This is nota preferred option because of challenges associated with fall residue management, future volunteer corn, and seed cost. If using corn as a cover crop on prevented plant acres, use a seeding rate of 60,000 to 80,000 and narrow row spacing as mentioned above in the soybean considerations. This will promote faster canopy closure and reduce the number and amount of viable seeds produced.
Brassicas (Turnips, Kale, Forage Rape, Radishes) should be planted from late July into August for best biomass. If planted in June, most of these will likely ‘bolt’ and produce seed by fall. They can be planted with a cereal grain such as oats, triticale or rye. The brassicas will winterkill, but they are highly frost tolerant and will remain a good grazing forage well into November.
Legumes (Crimson Clover, Berseem Clover, Field Pea, Hairy Vetch, Common Vetch) are slower to establish and more expensive than other cover crop options. Seeding should occur in August to ensure adequate growth that would lead to higher overwintering success.
This article has been adapted from two previous ICM News articles written by Stephen Barnhart; Prevented Planting and Cover Crop Considerations, June 2013 and Forage and Cover Crop Considerations for Delayed Planting and Flooded Sites, June 2008.
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Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on May 31, 2019. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.
Crop:
Authors:
Mark Licht Associate Professor
Dr. MarkLichtis an associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. His extension, research and teaching program is focused on how to holistically manage Iowa cropping systems to achieve productivity, profitability and en...
As an expert in crop production and management, I have an in-depth understanding of the challenges and decisions that farmers face, especially in regions like Iowa where weather conditions play a crucial role. My knowledge extends to various aspects of crop production, equipment and machinery, grain handling, pests, soil management, and the use of cover crops. I stay updated with the latest research and developments, and my expertise is grounded in both practical experience and theoretical knowledge.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the provided article:
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Crop Insurance and Planting Decisions: The article emphasizes the significance of crop insurance, especially in the context of delayed and prevented planting due to unfavorable weather conditions. Farmers are advised to engage in discussions with their crop insurance providers to make informed decisions.
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Late Planting Options: The article provides insights into late planting options for both corn and soybeans, discussing the potential yield outcomes associated with delayed planting. The decisions made in this regard involve practical and economic considerations.
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Prevented Planting Provision: In case prevented planting is chosen, the article strongly recommends planting a cover crop or emergency forage crop instead of letting the field remain fallow. However, there are specific restrictions on grazing or harvesting these crops until after September 1.
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Cover Crop Options: Various cover crop options are discussed, including winter cereals (rye, wheat, triticale), spring cereals (oats, wheat, barley), soybeans, corn, brassicas (turnips, kale, forage rape, radishes), and legumes (crimson clover, berseem clover, field pea, hairy vetch, common vetch). Each option has specific planting considerations and potential benefits.
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Seeding Rates and Techniques: The article provides information on recommended seeding rates for cover crops and suggests that drill seeding is more uniform than broadcast or aerial seeding. It also discusses the use of row crop planters for soybeans and corn, emphasizing the importance of narrower rows for better weed competition.
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Timing of Planting: The timing of planting for various cover crops is highlighted, taking into account factors such as weather conditions and overwintering success. For example, winter cereals can be planted as early as August, while brassicas are recommended to be planted from late July into August for optimal biomass.
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Authorship and Source: The article credits Mark Licht, an associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, as the author. It also mentions that the information was originally published on May 31, 2019, and advises readers to consider the publication date for the most current and accurate information.
This comprehensive overview showcases the expertise and depth of knowledge required to navigate the complex decisions involved in crop management, especially in challenging weather conditions.
