The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, July 12 indicated some change for our area as we continue in moderate drought, although the northeast portion of the county still abnormally dry. Severe drought is creeping eastward and is into Pawnee County. The weather forecast indicates worsening conditions over this week. The six to ten-day outlook (July 19 to 23) indicates a 70 to 80% chance of above normal temperatures and a 40 to 50% chance of below normal precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (July 21 to 27) indicates a continued 70 to 80% chance of above normal temperatures and a 40 to 50% chance of below normal precipitation. Most definitely not what our summer row crops need and very stressful on livestock. Today, let’s start a series of discussing a changing climate and the effects on cropping systems in our area.
There isn’t space to cover all the observed and coming effects of a changing climate. In brief, weather extremes are becoming the new normal. From derechos to floods and severe drought combines with hotter highs, lower winter lows and large swings in temperature over a short period of time in the winter and spring, these shifting patterns play havoc on crops. Briefly, what are possible solutions to help overcome this in terms of cultural practices? We will deal with the crops themselves next week.
• While sounding obvious, producers must find ways to eliminate the stresses they can and mitigate the ones they can’t.
• For irrigators in much of Kansas facing a depleted aquifer, everything must be done to maximize efficiency from nozzling and pressure regulators to perhaps even subsurface drip irrigation. Much of western Kansas is over-allocated and we must simply pump less. Ranging from shutting off some pivots to selecting less water intensive crops still allowing for the production of feedstuffs for the cattle industry. There simply is no choice, especially with energy prices.
• We must control pests (weeds, diseases, and insects). It can be through hybrid/variety selection. Adjusting planting dates, crop rotations, chemically, etc. It may seem strange talking about cover-cropping having just said we are drier, but a good cover crop can help with all these pest concerns, especially weed control when trying to minimize tillage.
• We must conserve the soil moisture we have and minimize/eliminate soil erosion. A real challenge with the weed pressure we face. Too much soil moisture is lost from tillage. Cover crops can help. Building soil organic matter can help. In some areas and in others depending on the conditions, continuing cropping may have to be eliminated, curtailed or very opportunistic. One good crop a year is better than two mediocre ones.
• Also, to be evaluated is the need for adjustments for everything from planting date, crop species maturity, plant population, fertilizer rates, and on and on.
• What new/novel crops are out there that will produce economically sustainable yields with the changing climate yet still meet the needs of the food and feed industries.
• Should we worry less about grain feed production and more about alternative feeds such as silage and hays? Should we consider putting land back into highly managed perennial or annual pastures to decrease the need for feed grains, especially corn?
Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
