Abnormally dry conditions across Indiana are causing concerns for farmers during a season of crop growth. Purdue Extension specialists Shaun Casteel and Dan Quinn and Indiana State Climatologist Beth Hall encourage producers to keep a watchful eye on crops and Indiana’s drought status.
According to Quinn, an assistant professor of agronomy and a corn specialist, corn crop conditions across the state have deteriorated over the past few weeks, especially in corn that was planted later in May. When the weather is hot and dry this early after corn is planted, corn roots have a harder time establishing in the ground, leading to possible challenges later in the growing season.
Soybean plants planted later in May are also struggling more compared to those planted earlier in the season. Casteel, an associate professor of agronomy and a soybean specialist, reminds farmers that in June, soybean plants might be off-green in color because of limited nitrogen supply.
Hall remains cautiously optimistic, given a forecast predicting rain across the state.
