Potassium (K) There are two distinct approaches to managing potassium (K); one is referred to as the “Sufficiency Approach” and the other is the “Build (or Target) and Maintain Approach”. OMAFA K guidelines for corn as outlined in this section adhere to the Sufficiency Approach, for a more detailed explanation of the two approaches and […]
Phosphorous (P) There are two distinct approaches to managing phosphorous (P); one is referred to as the “Sufficiency Approach” and the other is the “Build (or Target) and Maintain Approach”. OMAFA P guidelines for corn as outlined in this section adhere to the Sufficiency Approach. For a more detailed explanation of the two approaches and […]
Lack of rains and hot temperatures have two spotted spider mites (TSSM) exploding in some fields. Scouting soybeans and dry beans frequently for TSSM this time of year is important, as infestations tend to be noticed too late from the road when management was required much earlier. Mite infestations typically start on the fields edge, […]
Nitrogen (N) Corn responds well to nitrogen, so adequate availability of nitrogen is critical to profitable corn production. Excess nitrogen adds unnecessary expenses and increases the risk of nitrate movement to ground water, poorer quality of surface water and production of greenhouse gases through nitrous oxide emissions. Insufficient nitrogen leads to nitrogen deficiency. Nitrogen deficiency […]
There is no simple formula to aid in replant decisions, so each case must be dealt with individually. When contemplating a replant decision, consider the following: The plant population in a reduced stand can be estimated by counting the number of plants in a length of row that is equal to 1/1000 of an acre, […]
The vegetative and reproductive growth stages in corn are described in Table 1. Vegetative growth stages in corn and Table 2. Reproductive growth stages in corn. CHU-M1 Season-Ending Dates – The end of the growing season is defined as the first occurrence of a killing frost (-2°C), or the date when the daily average temperature has historically […]
Seeding Date The best yields in Ontario are usually obtained from corn planted in late April and the first half of May, as the crop is able to use the full growing season. Early planting also results in earlier maturity in the fall, reducing the risk of damage from an early fall frost or adverse […]
Optimizing Winter Wheat Quality at Harvest Fusarium Head Blight Management With frequent rain events in some areas as winter wheat matures, managing fusarium head blight (FHB) fungus is crucial to prevent yield loss, reduce mycotoxin contamination, and maximize grain quality. Identification FHB symptoms are noticeable soon after flowering. Diseased spikelets (glumes and florets) appear to […]
Heat Unit Zone (CHU-M1) Switch Date >3,200+ May 30–early June 2800–3,200 May 20–25 < 2,800 May 15–20 Source: Adapted from R. Iragavarapu. Basing Hybrid Maturity on Long-Term Data. Pioneer Hi-Bred Ltd. Maturity Ratings Corn development is driven primarily by temperature, especially during the planting-to-silking period. Unlike soybeans, day length has little effect on the rate […]
To successfully produce corn in Ontario, it is important to consider factors such as soil texture and crop rotation. Factors that will influence tillage options include risk of erosion, availability of equipment and labour and impact on soil health. Soils in Ontario are usually saturated in early spring, and quick dry-down is necessary to ensure […]
Turning soil tests into fertilizer recs Take one soil test, give it to two agronomists, and get four different fertilizer recommendations. How is this possible? Soil testing is one of the most profitable operations that a farm business can do, assuming proper sampling technique, and aligning samples with the field conditions and management. Soil testing […]
Swede midge and imported cabbageworm observed in canola At this time, canola exists in Ontario at almost every growth stage. Late planted or re-seeded spring canola is at the seedling stage in Northeastern Ontario. There is also spring canola approaching first flower, and some already in full bloom in the far north and Grey, Bruce, […]
Soybean aphids (SBA) have been spotted in a few fields in southern Ontario that haven’t seen SBA in quite a few years. As soybeans begin to enter R1, weekly scouting is advised, focusing first on the earlier planted fields close to or in R1, as well as any that have not had much rain and […]
The start of this week has been marked by several days of well above normal temperatures – daily highs in the low to mid 30’s brings the first summer-like hot spell across much of Ontario. These temperatures have helped reduce the heat unit deficit that has been a hallmark of spring 2025. Field Corn Very […]
The province experienced weather extremes. Southern Ontario saw warmer conditions that supported corn and soybean growth and helped dry fields still awaiting planting. However, wind and scattered rain complicated weed control efforts. In the Northeast and Northwest Ontario, temperatures neared 0°C, raising concerns about frost damage to emerged soybeans and white beans. Field assessments are […]