At the time of writing, rain is falling consistently for the first time in weeks. With slower rainfall, the extended duration of this event, than say a summer afternoon soaker more water will infiltrate our soils….less run off. So much could be said about this rain. Depending on its duration and intensity the next few days many effects could take place. In short, it should rejuvenate our turfgrass and ornamentals, soften up the crusted soils of any dryland peanuts not harvested, brighten up some late planted cotton and other commodities…etc. Not even mentioning our planted pines and forested areas.
One other point to mention that Dr. Bob Kemerait, UGA Plant Pathology Specialist, reminded agents about today is that regrowth on cotton stalks (mowed or otherwise) can/is occurring across the state.
This is certainly true in Crisp Co and will be more frequent with this recent rain. It does take time, money and main-power to completely terminate the crop but its also true that these stalks will continue to be a reservoir for nematodes (reniform, sting, root-knot, Columbia lance).
If any of y’all want nematode samples taken to understand what the levels are currently, let me know….now’s the perfect time with rain and mature crops in the ground.
Lastly, last week Crisp Co was updated to a D2 (severe drought) by the Drought Monitor and the National Integrated Drought Information System hosted a webinar with Specialists discussing the implications of our hot/dry conditions in the SE US. To view a recording of the webinar click here.
Here’s some highlights from my notes:
- First 120ish days of the year = normal amounts of precipitation
- Flash drought – went from 6% to 40% drought conditions in the SE from beginning to end of September
- 5th warmest September of GA on record
- Flint River near Carsonville, GA – lowest discharge ever
- Main concern other than Ag is stream flow/level
- Cotton + peanut harvest ahead from past five years
- Difficulty pollinating dryland corn
- Supplemental hay feeding for some livestock operations as early as June
- Pecan – early nut drop / leaf drop
Resources directly from the presenters’ slides below:
Thanks.
Best Wishes,
Joshua Grant