Wheat grain moisture levels around the state are being reported in the 16 to 22% range. While we usually wait until wheat is closer to 15% to harvest, the prolonged exposure to high humidity and rain, combined with lodging, is resulting in grain sprouting in the head. If growers have the capacity to dry grain they need to be getting this crop out of the field. Here is a link to more information: http://www.kysmallgrains.org/productionmanual/harvesting.htm
1. Leaching adjustments should be based on grower knowledge of the field and rainfall, and should be done on a field by field basis. Even within fields, not all areas may need the same adjustment.
2. The leaching adjustment information, while based on excellent data, probably over-estimates what we might recommend for growers in today’s tobacco market. Be conservative with leaching adjustments. It is relatively easy to add more later, but you can’t take back what you’ve already put out.
3. In many areas of the State where leaching adjustments are needed, 10-15 additional pounds of N will be adequate for now. In areas with higher rainfall amounts, higher rates of N may be acceptable and necessary, but those decisions should be made carefully. Remember, every circumstance will be slightly different.
4. For drowned tobacco, research has shown that also adding one pound of potassium for every pound of nitrogen you apply is beneficial. It may be difficult in larger tobacco to apply the potassium because it will be from a dry material, but if the grower has that capability, it can help recovery.
5. In 2005, many growers made leaching adjustments by mixing UAN (30%, 24S liquid N, etc) with high volumes of water (45 or more gallons of water per acre) and applying it in a stalk rundown. This was later in the season than now, most of the tobacco had been topped, and the tobacco was “tougher”. Growers should be cautioned that over-top applications of UAN on tender tobacco, even when diluted well with water could result in leaf burn. Applying the UAN directly to the soil is the safest option on tender tobacco, even if it requires using drop lines/drop nozzles on a high clearance sprayer.