While cover crops provide a solid agronomic benefit regarding soil erosion, nutrient scavenging, winter annual weed suppression and residue management, THEY ARE NOW WEEDS!

Early season pests can be devastating to the crop’s establishment, especially if the seed is unprotected and conditions are ideal for infestations (weather conditions, preceding crops, soil type, field history etc.). Preplant sampling is recommended for certain soil pests, especially those for which rescue treatments are not available. Sampling is necessary to diagnose insect problems in a field and to take appropriate measures of control. In this article we will review some of the most important early season pests of corn and their recommended sampling time and methods. Sampling for these pests will take place from preplant to about V5.

Split timing of N application may provide additional yield benefits, especially with soil types and weather conditions that favor N loss. Dry urea or liquid UAN sources of nitrogen both perform equally well, and nitrogen stabilizers will prevent volatilization and denitrification losses, making more nitrogen available when the plant needs it most.