Corn survival in flooded or saturated fields

Abstract

<p>Rainfall that fell from April 22-26 resulted in totals of 2 to 8+ inches across Iowa. Soils became saturated resulting in widespread flooding and ponding. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Iowa Crops and Weather Report, only 8 percent of the state's corn had been planted as of April 22. As of April 29, 14 percent of the state's corn was planted. A range existed across the state with farmers in localized areas nearly complete with planting while many had not started. Although some acres have been planted, there were only a few fields of corn reported to have emerged as of April 30. In fields that were not flooded, the persistent hammering of rain will most likely result in thick soil crusts, which could inhibit emergence.</p>