The El Nino Effect on Weather & Crops
First noticed in the 1600’s with warming surface waters in the Pacific Ocean, El Nino is predicted for this winter and probably next. This phenomenon was recorded as recently as 1997 / 1998 and 2005/ 2006. Along with the impact on the ocean, we should expect unseasonably warmer and drier weather patterns.
Poor Germination of Corn
Below normal precipitation may be welcome for early spring field work but can be a disaster for unirrigated crop acres. Low soil moisture coming out of winter can cause sporadic germination, delayed growth, and lower yields. No-till planting can help preserve existing soil moisture compared to conventional tillage. Irrigation is like a predictable rain source at the discretion of the farmer. The timing and amount of water become management decisions, compared to “hoping” for rain throughout the season. Controlling your plant water availability is much like determining seed varieties, fertilizer applications, and crop protection products. What is even more impactful is that your plants require moisture to germinate, for fertilizer uptake and often for crop protectants to work effectively.
Drought-stressed Corn
Irrigated Corn
With all this controllable impact on your crop production, your chance of a profitable year increases greatly. Water impacts so many processes through the plant growth and development cycles, it becomes challenging to invest in a more impactful tool. If you do not already irrigate or have remaining fields without irrigation, an El Nino influenced crop season just might make the decision to invest in irrigation easier.
Do not wait.
Call Michigan Valley Irrigation today
to help getting started with a project for your farm.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pete is the marketing manager for Michigan Valley Irrigation, having joined the company in 2016. He was raised on a dairy farm in western New York and graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in agricultural economics. His entire working career of over 37 years has been involved in agriculture. A farmer helping farmers. When away from Michigan Valley he operates, Joyful Noise Farm, a small livestock and produce farm and spends time with his family.
