Agronomy Magazine: Agronomy Articles, News & Expertise

Improve Field-Crop Planting Timing in Uneven Spring Conditions

Uneven spring conditions can make planting decisions difficult and costly. Checking soil conditions and testing planter performance first can help prevent avoidable problems. Insights from field-crop experts explain how to make better timing decisions before planting begins.

How Field Crop Growers Make Better Planting Timing Calls

Planting too early can damage soil structure and hurt crop performance. Field crop growers must watch soil conditions before making timing decisions. Insights from experts in the field explain how protecting soil structure leads to better planting calls.

Field-Crop Cover Crops: How to Choose Termination Timing With Moisture and Emergence in Mind

Cover crop termination timing can shape soil moisture, crop emergence, and field performance. This article explains how to use subsoil water and field-specific moisture thresholds to guide the right strategy. Insights from crop and soil experts offer practical guidance for making better termination decisions.

Row-Crop Weed Control: How to Decide When to Spray in Less-Than-Ideal Conditions

Spraying during poor conditions can reduce weed control and increase the risk of drift. Experts in the field explain how wind direction and label restrictions should guide application decisions. These practical tips can help determine when conditions are suitable for spraying row crops.

Row‑Crop Nitrogen Timing Decisions That Reduce Loss and Workload

Nitrogen timing can affect crop performance, field workload, and nutrient loss. Experts in crop nutrition share practical guidance on matching applications to soil zones, delaying work on saturated fields, and timing fertigation with crop demand. These decisions can help make every application more efficient.

How Row‑Crop Leaders Set Replant Cutoffs That Pay

Deciding whether to replant a row-crop field can make or break the season’s returns. Plant health, stand gaps, planting dates, yield history, and replant costs all matter. Insights from crop and farm-management experts show how to set a practical cutoff and compare the best options.

Drainage Decisions in Row-Crop Fields: What Proved the Payoff

Drainage problems can quietly cut yield and weaken plant growth in row-crop fields. Experts share why subsurface drip improved plant vigor and how access delays shaped the right solution. These practical lessons can help growers choose fixes that pay off.

Soil Management Practices for Healthier Lawns

Field Crop Replant Decisions That Pay: What Changed Your Threshold

Making the call to replant a field crop represents one of the most critical economic decisions farmers face each season. This article brings together expert analysis on establishing clear thresholds and diagnostic protocols that help determine when replanting pays off versus letting a stand mature. From the five-percent rule to pattern mapping techniques, these strategies provide farmers with practical frameworks for protecting their investment and maximizing yield potential.

Replant Calls in Field Crops: The Simple Check That Sets Your Line

Making the decision to replant a field crop can mean the difference between a profitable season and a costly mistake. This article brings together insights from agronomic experts to help producers determine when replanting makes economic sense and when it's better to keep what's already in the ground. A straightforward assessment of stand quality and yield potential is all it takes to make the right call.

Irrigation Decisions for Row Crops Under Heat and Drought

Heat and drought conditions force farmers to make critical irrigation choices that directly impact crop yields and water efficiency. This article draws on expert knowledge to explain how depletion thresholds in the soil profile can guide better irrigation timing for row crops. Understanding these thresholds helps producers maximize water use while protecting their crops during challenging weather conditions.

Choose the Best Compaction Fix for Row-Crop Fields After Heavy Traffic

Soil compaction from heavy equipment can significantly reduce crop yields if left unaddressed. This article explains how to identify compaction problems in row-crop fields and select the most effective remediation strategy based on specific field conditions. Expert agronomists share practical methods for diagnosing compaction depth and severity, then matching the right fix to each situation.

Make the Right In-Season Water Call for Row Crops Under a Dry Spell

Water management during drought conditions can make or break a row crop season. This article brings together research-based recommendations and field-tested strategies from agronomists and irrigation specialists to help growers determine when supplemental water is truly needed. Learn how to assess soil moisture at the root zone and make data-driven irrigation decisions that protect yield without wasting resources.

Row Crop Planting: Deciding to Run or Wait in a Narrow Window

Spring planting decisions often come down to a single question: should growers get into the field now or wait for better conditions? The narrow window between ideal soil conditions and weather delays creates pressure that can lead to costly mistakes. This article features expert insights on using the squeeze test and other practical methods to make the right call when time is running out.

Make Better Calls on Weed Escapes in Field Crops

Weed escapes in field crops can significantly impact yield and profitability if not addressed at the right time. This article provides practical guidance on selecting the most effective control methods based on weed growth stages, featuring insights from agronomic experts and experienced growers. Learn how to make strategic decisions that protect your crops and maximize return on investment.

Make Smart Fertility Cuts When Prices Jump in Row Crops

Fertilizer prices can swing dramatically, forcing farmers to make tough decisions about their crop nutrition programs. This article breaks down practical strategies for managing phosphorus and potassium applications when costs spike, with guidance from agronomic experts who understand both soil health and farm profitability. Learn how to maintain yields while adjusting your fertility program to match current market conditions.

Residue Management Moves That Balance Seedbed and Moisture in Field Crops

Managing crop residue after harvest can make or break next season's planting conditions. Getting the balance right between adequate seedbed preparation and moisture retention requires strategic decisions at critical times. This article explores proven residue management techniques, backed by insights from agronomic experts who work directly with farmers to optimize field conditions.

Knowing When Field Drainage Will Pay on Cropland

Wet zones in fields can significantly reduce crop yields and limit planting options, but determining whether drainage systems offer a worthwhile return on investment requires careful analysis. This article examines the key factors that influence drainage profitability, with insights from agricultural drainage experts and agronomists. Learn how to identify problem areas where field drainage will deliver measurable economic benefits for your operation.

Season-Long Weed Control Strategies That Keep Pressure Down in Row Crops

Controlling weeds throughout an entire growing season requires more than a single herbicide application. This article breaks down proven strategies that reduce weed pressure in row crops, featuring insights from agronomists and field specialists who manage these challenges daily. Learn how to combine multiple tactics into a season-long plan that protects yields and limits resistance development.

7 Unexpected Practices That Significantly Increased Soil Organic Matter

Building healthier soil doesn't always follow conventional methods, and the results can appear faster than most gardeners expect. This article explores seven practical techniques that have proven to significantly boost soil organic matter, backed by insights from agricultural experts and soil scientists who have tested these approaches in real-world conditions. Each method comes with a realistic timeline so you know exactly when to expect measurable improvements in your soil.