The "prevented planting" situation
has already caused enough problems for the 2001 growing season.
Although the 2002 growing season is some distance in the future,
it’s time to take action to prevent potential problems.
The "Fallow Syndrome" is one serious problem that
can be avoided by planning now.
The "Fallow Syndrome" is a condition that can severely
limit the growth of corn and small grains. The young root systems
are colonized by vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM), which
assist in nutrient uptake (primarily associated with phosphorus
and zinc.) The VAM population is substantially reduced when
non-host crops or fallow precedes corn and small grains in
rotation. Canola and sugarbeets are two common non-host crops
in Minnesota.
Steps can be taken this summer to avoid this growth-limiting
problem in 2002. The least expensive tactic is to plant a low
rate of oats (about 1 bushel per acre) on acres that did not
get planted or acres that were flooded by heavy rains in early
June. Based on limited information, the VAM population is proportional
to the growth of the host crop. Therefore, planting of oats
in July is encouraged to get maximum growth during the 2001
growing season.
If soils are fallowed in 2001, plan to apply banded phosphate
for corn and small grain production in 2002. This would be
a good management practice even though soil test values for
phosphorus is in the high range. Past research with the "Fallow
Syndrome" in South Dakota showed that banded, not broadcast
applications corrected the problem of the "Fallow Syndrome."
Pay special attention to zinc needs for corn next year. Have
soil samples analyzed for zinc. Use zinc in the banded fertilizer
is the zinc soil test shows low or marginal levels.
The limited growth associated with the "Fallow Syndrome" is
usually associated with corn and small grain production. The
problem has not been fully documented with soybeans, so crop
selection is a major consideration when dealing with this problem.
By taking action steps now, the "Fallow Syndrome’ does
not have to be a problem for the 2002 growing season. |
