As South Carolina corn enters the critical tasseling and pollination period while soybean planting continues, growers are managing one of the more challenging weather years in recent memory. Much of the state experienced severe drought conditions earlier this season before receiving excessive rainfall and flooding in recent weeks. These weather extremes can have lasting effects on crop performance even after favorable conditions return.
For corn, the next two to three weeks represent the most important period for determining yield potential. Adequate soil moisture during silking and early grain fill is essential for successful pollination and kernel set. Fields that endured prolonged drought may have restricted root systems and reduced plant height, while saturated soils can contribute to nitrogen loss, root stress, and increased disease pressure. During this time of tassel/silking corn is using about 0.3 inches of water per day OR 2.1 inches of water per week. Where irrigation is available we need to try to meet the water use demand on corn to maintain yield potential. Growers should continue scouting for nutrient deficiencies, stalk health concerns, and foliar diseases, particularly where standing water occurred.
For soybeans, timely planting remains important, but field conditions should dictate when to plant. Saturated soils can reduce emergence, increase seedling disease risk, and contribute to uneven stands.
As we move into summer, the focus should remain on protecting yield potential, maintaining crop health, and monitoring fields closely. Something to consider on corn is to scout for stinkbugs especially where small grain fields are drying down or being harvested in adjacent or nearby fields. If a foliar fungicide is going to be applied, incorporating an insecticide where stinkbugs are above threshold may be beneficial. While recent rainfall has relieved drought stress in many areas, the combination of drought followed by flooding may result in variability within fields that will require careful management throughout the remainder of the season.
