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> Soybeans > General crop drying and storage > Soil |
Photo by Curt Lahr
This fall the harvesting season has been a challenging one to say the least. As we move through November, dealing with moldy corn is a primary concern.
The University of Minnesota Plant Disease Clinic reports that many samples are coming back Cladosporium, a genus with which no known toxins are associated. You can send samples to the clinic to diagnose and help identify mold and kernel infection. Call them at (612-625-1275) for more information.
See the October 28 news release on late harvest issues
Corn recently harvested (as of November 12) has decreased in kernel moisture from early November to the range of 21 to 27% in many fields. This lower moisture will allow growers to dry the corn down to a safe storage level at a faster pace than earlier in the month. Many growers who dry on-farm will be able to use a combination of a crop dryer and aeration to reach safe storage moisture levels. This process will help in the management of ear molds since harvesting and drying is critical for safe storage. Growers should continue to inspect fields and make decisions on where and when to harvest depending on crop status, ear rot status, and soil conditions. Compaction continues to be of concern where fields are wet or if they receive more precipitation prior to harvest.
Wet corn strategies and alternatives — Thursday, December 3
Soybeans should continue to remain the first priority to harvest this fall. The good news is that soybeans in many of the soybean fields are registering a dramatic drop in moisture to a range of 11 to 13%. Any soybean fields remaining should be harvested and placed in a storage facility with aeration fans in order to reduce the moisture content and lower the temperature of the soybeans in the bin this fall (see articles listed below for specific recommendations). Low temperature drying is possible (see articles below) but requires close monitoring. When using a dryer avoiding damage to both commodity and seed soybeans is difficult. There is also the potential for bin fires when utilizing heat to dry soybeans. Alternatively, soybeans left in the field in mid to late November could experience pod shattering and yield loss due to repeated "wet-dry" weather cycles.
The links on this page were reviewed by University of Minnesota Extension faculty in October and November 2009.
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