South-Central/Southeast ND (09/10/20)
The region’s rainfall from May 1 to September 7 ranges from 5.2 inches (Robinson) to 17.8 inches (Oakes), with the Carrington Research Extension Center (CREC) receiving 8.5 inches (source: NDAWN). The generally low rainfall in September plus the short-term forecast for dry weather will be beneficial for continuing dry bean harvest and the start of soybean harvest. Air temperature reached lows of 29-32 degrees F on September 8 at many locations in this region and more of the same is expected on September 9. These temperatures will potentially reduce seed yield and quality in our row crops, especially late-planted corn and soybean.
The CREC’s 2020 dryland and irrigated spring wheat variety trial data are available at the website. The irrigated spring wheat variety trial contained 37 named varieties that averaged 83.7 bu/A, 62.3 lb test weight, and 14.3% protein. In comparison, the dryland trial averaged 42.3 bu/A, 61.9 lb test weight, and 17.4% protein. Seven varieties in the irrigated trial exceeded 90 bu/A and LCS Buster reached 100 bu/A.
Remember to continue surveying fields and field edges for Palmer amaranth as the weed has been found recently in several ND counties. The picture indicates that the weed can regrow even if most of the above ground portion is removed.
Extension Cropping Systems Specialist
NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center
