April 19, 2024

Soggy field day still provides research insight

By JAKE WADDINGHAM

Iowa State University's Gerald De La Fuente shows a corn stalk while describing corn breeding research. He said their research works to find beneficial traits without getting the "trash" genetics.

GREENFIELD — The recent rains did not allow visitors to tour the Neely-Kinyon Research Farm during the field day Tuesday, but presenters were still able to give a wide variety of detailed research findings.

Farm Superintendent Bernie Havlovic said the site had received about nine inches of rain for the month of August, not including the rain totals from Wednesday and today.

“We have had enough rain to get us through this growing season,” Havlovic said. “Any rain from here on out might be more significant for next year.”

Havlovic said he is hopeful September will be dry so the corn and soybean crop can mature faster. He estimated the harvest could be delayed five to seven days because of the soggy and cool August conditions.

Presenters from Iowa State University were still able to give detailed presentations of the research results on the 160-acre farm from the past 17 years using handouts and describing the 2014 growing season.

Highlights

Dr. Kathleen Delate was slated to describe the long term organic crop rotation study at Neely-Kinyon. Because of a conflicting class schedule, her husband Bob filled in to give the presentation.

“In 2013, organic corn yields averaged 143 bushels per acre compared to conventional yields of 135 bushels per acre,” Delate said in her research.

Delate found that the highest corn yield on the research farm came from the plots that had a four-year rotation of corn, soybean, alfalfa and another year of alfalfa.

Delate also noted the challenges of the 2013 growing season with excessive rains in May followed by drought conditions in July and August.

Dr. Cindy Cambardella, who works closely with Delate, covered the details of soil health on the farm.

Cambardella takes her soil samples each fall after the harvest is out but before the soil is disturbed by any tillage.

In her research with cover crops and organic vegetable production, Cambardella said it has been difficult to time an effective growth and kill of the cover crop.

Gerald De La Fuente gave a short presentation on corn breeding research that is conducted at Iowa State.

Aaron Saeugling, extension field agronomist for 14 counties in southwest Iowa, gave an overview of the area’s crop conditions while the meal was served.