Vegetables

Irrigation and herbicides: Benefits and challenges

Published on April 21, 2025
Applying irrigation water can bring many benefits to growers, but it also has environmental risks to watch out for.
Compost can increase the water holding capacity in droughty soils

Published on November 13, 2024
Compost has the ability to increase water holding capacity of soils and can be a beneficial soil amendment in agricultural applications.
Corn growth and maturity response to variable weather conditions

Published on September 12, 2023
Uneven emergence and early season drought can prolong corn vegetative phase, delay maturity, and might impact grain yield and in-field moisture drydown.
Fire plans prevent harvest season from going up in smoke

Published on June 29, 2023
With most of Michigan in a drought, preventing fires during harvest time is critical.
Helping your farm manage drought concerns and pesticide costs

Published on June 21, 2023
MSU Extension adds new decision tool to help consider costs of pesticide strategies.
Consider water source when irrigating vegetables during dry conditions

Published on June 20, 2023
Phytophthora capsici can be introduced to crops when irrigating with surface water.
Pesticide Cost Comparison Decision Tool for Vegetables

Published on June 16, 2023
The Pesticide Cost Comparison Decision Tool for Vegetables provides farm producers with an ability to consider pesticide products and their costs within integrated pest management strategies.
June crop water needs

Published on June 15, 2023
If soils are depleted of moisture beneath the developing plants, irrigators need to supply enough water to help establishing roots grow down into natural soil moisture.
Surviving the dry spell: MSU Extension's drought website provides vital resources

Published on June 8, 2023
Drought conditions are always troubling, but MSU Extension resources are available to help producers and landowners make the best management decisions for them.
Considerations for irrigating wheat

Published on May 22, 2023
Irrigating winter wheat or rye is a tool to help double crop growers.
Reducing heat stress for you and your employees

Published on June 22, 2022
Heat stress can be an issue for you and your employees, even in a northern state like Michigan. Multiple 90+ degree days during spring 2022 brought that to light for many of us working in agriculture.
Irrigation to help get the crop started

Published on June 2, 2022
Irrigators have the advantage of being able to apply water to aid germination, emergence, and incorporate herbicides and nutrients. If rainfall is short, irrigation can prevent early season drought.
Consider drought-motivated irrigation purchases carefully

Published on June 8, 2021
Hot, dry summers sometimes result in quick irrigation investment decisions that may be regretted
Fall and winter drought could cause challenges in crops

Published on April 22, 2021
Below normal precipitation during the fall and winter has resulted in a decline in groundwater levels. Producers need to prepare for potential challenges, especially if they irrigate crops.
Understanding the drought through the Evaporative Stress Index

Published on August 9, 2012
A look at the Evaporative Stress Index explains patterns of water availability and moisture stress across large areas.
Choosing cover crops

Published on August 8, 2012
There is help for producers to determine what cover crops they should use in their rotation.
Mediate disaster-related financial issues – don’t procrastinate

Published on August 3, 2012
Farmers who have experienced crop losses through drought or freeze may benefit by utilizing mediation services if they cannot meet financial obligations.
Toxic seed piece syndrome reported in Michigan potato fields

Published on July 25, 2012
Learn the symptoms of toxic seed piece syndrome, a physiological disorder to potato fields that has been reported recently in Michigan.
What is evapotranspiration and why it matters

Published on July 25, 2012
Under drought conditions, plants may not be able to extract water fast enough to keep up with evapotranspiration.
Botrytis blight is causing problems in Michigan potatoes

Published on July 20, 2012
Excessive humidity and other stress factors are causing Botrytis blight in Michigan potatoes this season. Learn the epidemiology of this disease, as well as control methods and fungicide options.