September 12, 2002

LINCOLN, Neb. — Varying yield and moisture levels in corn and soybean fields along with poor crop stands will make harvest difficult this year, a University of Nebraska agricultural systems specialist said.

Crop harvest, drying and storage this fall requires special attention to avoid further losses in a year when each ear, head and pod is important economically, said Bill Campbell, NU agricultural systems specialist.

"Moisture content could range from 5 percent to 40 percent and yields could range from 15 to 150 bushels per acre in the same field," he said, referring to corn.

Combine adjustments are key to preventing excessive damage. Producers should consult their combine operator's manual for guidance on proper operation in these conditions, Campbell said.

Low dryland crop yields make it difficult to keep enough plant material flowing into the combine to effectively thresh the crop without damaging kernels and soybeans, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources specialist said.

One possibility is to increase the combine's speed and make other corresponding adjustments to controls.

"Be sure to monitor both the amount and the evenness of material flow through the header to the feeder house," Campbell said. "Uneven flows will indicate improper adjustments and can result in increased grain damage or combine plugging."

Adjustments also may be needed to compensate for potentially smaller ears and stalks, he said.

"Check your owner's manual to set the machine for expected conditions and make refinements as field conditions change," he said. "You will have to be on your toes when it comes to in-field adjustments."

In addition, dry years also cause lower corn and soybean test weights and smaller kernels or beans.

"Again, start with the owner's manual settings and fine tune as you go," Campbell said.

Crop plant maturity likely will be off schedule this year, Campbell said.

"Stalks may dry faster or slower than the ears, depending on the variety and severity of stress, causing the increased possibility of lodging and pod or ear losses as the fall progresses," he said.

Maturity concerns and a potential increase of stress-induced fungus infestations may mean farmers will need to harvest sooner instead of waiting for crop moisture to drop to optimal levels. This will help prevent field losses and storage problems.

Crops should dry quickly in the field because there's less vegetation this year, but shattering losses could increase if crops become overly dry.

Drying grain for storage also will be tricky, Campbell said.

"This year's crop is going to require frequent monitoring to make sure it stays in condition during the storage season," he said.

Over- or under-drying and shrinking of already low test weights during drying can contribute to storage problems and crop marketability.

"Decrease dryer temperature and consider relying more on combination drying or natural air drying and aeration to minimize test weight losses and more evenly dry the entire grain mass," he said.

For more information on drought-related grain harvest and storage, visit NU's Crop Watch Web site or contact a local Cooperative Extension office.

09/12/02-SA

William P. Campbell - Ph.D.
Biological Systems Engineering
Associate Professor
(402)472-6714

Sandi Alswager Karstens
IANR News and Photography
(402) 472-3030

Department: Biological Systems Engineering