The ongoing drought in many parts of Illinois is severely impacting the height of corn crops this season. With a severe lack of moisture, the majority of the state is experiencing drought conditions, while the remaining areas are considered abnormally dry.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor reveals that much of the state, particularly the northern two-thirds, is facing severe drought. However, a recent thunderstorm brought some relief to the parched fields.
The drought's impact on corn is evident, with many fields displaying short plants and nutrient deficiency symptoms. Early-planted corn on good soil has fared better than later-planted or corn on lighter and compacted soils. Height, though concerning to farmers, doesn't necessarily correlate with yield, as other factors like leaf area and sunlight capture play a crucial role.
Current crop ratings indicate a significant decline compared to the previous year, with only a quarter of corn and soybeans rated good to excellent. The key determinant for corn yield will be the weather during the upcoming pollination season in July. Adequate rainfall is crucial for successful pollination and to prevent kernel abortion.
While soybean growth is also limited, there is more time for recovery as yield potential is usually determined in August. Increased rainfall in late June and the forecast for more showers bring some optimism. However, the moisture deficit remains a concern, with topsoil conditions ranked predominantly short to very short.
Farmers are hopeful that timely rain will improve the situation and enable the crops to reach their full potential.
Photo Credit: GettyImages-Luc Pouliot
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Corn