The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, March 11th continues showing a deterioration in conditions. Stafford County and part of Pawnee are back to abnormally dry. 

The six to ten-day outlook (March 18 to 22) indicates a 40 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and near normal for precipitation. 

The eight to 14-day outlook (March 20 to 26) indicates a 33 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a near normal for precipitation.  

Temperatures are warming, producers are starting to prep for spring planting, and soil microorganisms are stirring. As we learn more and more about this world invisible to the naked eye, we are discovering how important they are to a healthy soil ecology and plants. Today, let’s briefly explore this world and its importance.

• There are three major groups of soil microorganisms: Fungi, bacteria, and nematodes. It’s a bit more complicated than that but detailed enough for this discussion.  

• Fungi are an interesting, diverse group of organisms that are their own kingdom as they have characteristics of both plant and animal cells. They are ubiquitous in the environment. They have two major growth stages, a vegetative and reproductive stage. You recognize the reproductive stage for many species as mushrooms and toadstools. They reproduce sexually by spores. The negative aspects of this group include plant diseases such as leaf rust species and stalk rots. They cause the spoilage of food in your refrigerator. However, there are many positive aspects. The yeast involved in bread and alcohol for example. In the environment they help beak down organic matter from plant tissue to manures and urine and animal carcasses. Many species form symbiotic relationships with plant roots and aid in nutrient uptake.  

• Bacteria are single-celled organisms that reproduce asexually through fission. As with fungi, there are some causing diseases in plants. Under certain conditions, some will cause the loss of nitrogen and sulfur in the soil. They can immobilize plant nutrients as they decompose certain organic matter. However, the majority are either harmless or beneficial. For example, the rhizobium bacteria that infect the roots of legumes (soybeans and alfalfa) and live symbiotically. They provide nitrogen to the plant. They are also key decomposers of organic matter, helping to produce humus. And as a result, cycle nutrients to plants.

• Finally, nematodes. These are microscopic roundworms found everywhere. Most are harmless. Some however, such as soybean cyst nematode, and sting nematode in corn can cause severe yield loss.

Much research is being conducted not only on the disease front but in adapting these organism to increase plant nutrient availability and health.

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.