Agricultural News
Oklahoma Cotton Crop Showing Signs of Stress
Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:28:24 CDT
Lack of timely August rainfall has resulted in considerable moisture stressed cotton in many areas of western Oklahoma. In the far southwestern corner of the state, August was a brutal month and many fields have crashed. With the crop entering the bloom stage in mid-July in many fields, crop stress by mid-August was an issue.
The Mesonet graphic (shown above) for rainfall in the state over the last 30 days provides a summary. When considering the marginal at-plant profile moisture, and in spite of good June and July precipitation in many areas, it can be seen that the far southwestern corner has not obtained enough August rainfall to carry a previously good to excellent rainfed crop across the finish line. Even though we had substantial rainfall in the southwest corner in June and July, the nearly 30-day August dry run, high heat and winds resulted in highly stressed cotton by the third week.
The irrigated crop is progressing very well where adequate irrigation capacity and water quality are available. The additional rainfall in some of these areas has provided an opportunity for good to excellent yields. One concern many producers have, especially in the Caddo/Blaine/Custer counties irrigated area, is adequate heat units to mature a somewhat late but generally well-set crop.
Click here for more articles in the latest edition of Cotton Comments from Oklahoma State University Extension. Topics include the following:
-- IPM Field Surveys
-- Heat Units and Crop ET
-- COTMAN Concepts Irrigation Termination
-- Public Comment Period for Dicamba Tolerant Cotton Closes September 25
-- Insect Update Stink Bugs, Moth Traps
-- Upcoming Meetings and Field Days Extension and Industry
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...
