Wet Conditions Present Some Observations 6-19-19 June weather continues to be almost opposite of May although we are expecting the frequency of rainfall to slow down by the Weekend. There is a characteristic that most all cotton developed from the cool wet weather we had at the beginning of June that was caused by the intense sun and heat of Sunday and Monday of this week. Primarily it was sunburned leaves that are right at the top of the plant and very tender from the moisture and humidity and not tough as they had not been exposed to hot conditions. These leaves gave the cotton fields a golden look with a little bit of bronze. This is 100% visual with no negative consequences. Another related situation was that we got more leaf scorch on these same upper leaves from spraying Dual, Outlook, or Warrant based herbicide mixtures. Again, these burned leaf symptoms will almost disappear within a week. For the most part we have not had to change anything from our plans so far. The main adjustment I believe we should consider is with people who applied some Ammonium Sulfate at planting but are planning on using UAN30 or UAN32 for top-dressing. We have lost sulfur from planting and more sulfur is needed at topdress either from more AMS, or UAN24S.
Light Land Syndrome Every year we have those spots that develop in light land that I like to call light land syndrome, and it magnifies after wet spells. The causes of these poor growth spots are related to extremely low CEC and coarse sand. The often have low pH, low potassium, and they easily loose the Nitrogen and Sulfur. This is also where we have Sting Nematode. For pH issues, we have to increase our frequency of liming without using more (in other words, apply a half rate every year or two rather than a heavy rate every 3 or 4 years. Early applications of N, K, & S will not last so applying these nutrients following heavy rain events will restore the lost nutrients. Injecting UAN solutions is better than dribbling, although dribbling works well for the second shot of top-dress when you split apply it with the first shot being AMS. Bottom line, on our lightest soils, if you have not broadcast some granular or injected in June, then it will help.
Wet land with Heavy rain Part of our region north of 460 had a 6 inch rain event on June 7 resulting in spots where water stood long enough to hurt some roots. These roots will eventually recover but the cotton growth has been haulted until it does. These spots can be similar to light land syndrome just looking at the cotton except these spots can fix themselves in this heavy land and light land needs more intervention. However, if you want to speed up the process, then a very low rate of AMS is like magic to cotton to give it a kick. Be careful about putting to much N on this heavy land because these spots could be the rank cotton in August. DISCLAIMER: The data contained herein is for informational, conversational, and philosophical thinking and is for general purposes only. Ideas expressed apply to the Upper Southeast growing region. Although the information was obtained from various sources, which we believe to be reliable, we do not in any way guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Comments are influenced by past experiences, personal bias and hypothetical speculation by the writer and are not always accurate predictors of future events. Specific references to Agricultural Products and Rates are used for examples and do not reflect specific endorsement or recommendations for use. Always read and follow all label directions and precautions for use. We disclaim any responsibility for any errors or omissions contained herein. FULL DISCLOSURE: There is no compensation received by Johnny to promote any product referenced with in this blog. Johnny is a paid employee of Commonwealth Gin
