Most Midwestern farms do not have a drought risk management plan. The issue of weather-resistant crop production practices is in its infancy throughout the Midwest. Why? Wisconsinites are accustomed to weekly rainfall, if not more, in the summer, and expect an average annual rainfall of 34 inches.
A flash drought occurred in 2023 in Wisconsin as a result of higher than normal temperatures and lower than normal precipitation. By June and July, all 72 Wisconsin counties fell into the drought category and had drought impacts.
With a dry fall in 2022 and drought continuing as it did in 2023, the impacts and water shortages will have long-lasting impacts until 2024. It will take time to reverse this extraordinary deficit. What we need is a winter of average or above-average snowfall, which then melts slowly in the spring, accompanied by heavy spring rains.
But experts say there are equal chances of normal precipitation and drought conditions in 2024. For more information about Wisconsin weather, visit the Wisconsin Ag Climate Outlook webpage.
What can you do on the farm now to help manage drought or flooding caused by extreme weather?
Managing extreme weather
Preparing for the weather makes business sense. It starts with a plan. Agriculture faces new challenges related to increased flooding, hotter heat waves, drought, increased winds, and more intense pest and weed pressures.
Wisconsin and other Midwestern states don't typically deal with a lack of precipitation, but the short-term trend toward drought is increasing. Drought creates problems in crop productivity and quality. Here are management changes that can help during dry conditions:
Increase soil organic matter and soil health. The ability of soil to hold and store water has never been more important to farmers than it is now, as weather becomes more unpredictable and extreme. The ability of soil to capture and retain moisture during the growing season can act like a bank account from which crops can be withdrawn between periods of rain or when drought occurs. While soil textural properties are generally constant for a given field, the water-holding capacity of soil can be enhanced through management practices.
Finish the covers sooner. When using cover crops, terminate the cover crop early in the spring if conditions are dry.
Plant the seeds deeper. Consider adjusting cash crop seed depth when planting based on soil moisture conditions. If the weather is dry and no rain is in the extended forecast, you may need to plant deeper.
Increase crop residues. Leaving more crop residue in fields can improve the soil's ability to hold water and reduce evaporation and erosion. Crop residue also acts as a natural snow fence to trap the snow and the moisture eventually melts and remains in the field. During heavy rains, crop residue helps reduce the impact of raindrops on the soil, reducing soil loss to runoff.
Irrigation. Investing in permanent or temporary irrigation for high value crops. Research all types of irrigation systems that might be suitable for your farm and the crops you grow, and choose the system that will save the most water. Learn more at fyi.extension.wisc.edu.
Cultivation of different varieties. Choose drought-tolerant crop varieties.
Consider the number of plants. Use precision agriculture to change the population density of plants to reduce crop demand for water or nutrients in certain soil types.
More heat
Heat stress occurs in Wisconsin and the Midwest when temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The trend today is for hotter heatwaves and warmer nighttime temperatures. There will be more threats of fire hazard.
Hot temperatures during the reproductive stages of crops reduce the yield and quality of fruit or grain. Warmer winters with less snow and ice cover on lakes deplete soil moisture and water levels, and “trick” plants to come out of dormancy early while late frost or freeze events are still possible.
Increase soil cover with mulch or cover crops to conserve soil moisture and reduce soil temperatures. For more information about temperature differences based on management practices, visit the USDA Climate Centers webpage.
Pest issues
Warmer weather and stressed plants open opportunities for pests such as weeds, insects, and diseases. The likelihood of a cold winter preventing overwintering will be reduced, and spring will see a rise in pest numbers. Areas that have never seen a particular pest before will likely see it for the first time and won't be sure how to manage it.
A longer growing season means more generations of pest cycles each season to control them. Increasing integrated pest management techniques. Emphasis on regional reconnaissance, monitoring, and training for planned responses to diseases resistant to harmful or harmful chemicals in new areas. Check out a DATCP household pest survey.
Farmers can prepare for extreme weather, drought, heat and pests with the right management strategies. The effects of extreme weather vary by location, soil type and crop.
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