Fertilizer prices dominated agronomic discussions last winter. However, the nitrogen supply situation has stabilized to the point that we do not foresee similar experiences for 2002.

Corn was planted early, followed by wet weather. This led to delayed growth and created high nitrogen loss conditions. Those who reduced nitrogen inputs because of high prices paid for that decision with midseason crop nitrogen deficiencies and reduced yields. The lesson learned was that nitrogen prices do not influence and should be treated independently of nitrogen fertilizer use rates.

Nationally, soil phosphorus and potassium levels are trending downward. I believe this is a result of higher yields that have occurred over the past several decades. Our fertilizer inputs have not kept pace with increased grain nutrient removal. Another reason for reduced soil nutrient status is that many producers only add phosphorus or potassium fertilizer during the corn year of a corn/soybean rotation. This type of application is not sustainable unless enough phosphorus and potassium are applied to account for both crops' grain removal.

Once again, this year we observed corn magnesium deficiencies. Corn magnesium deficiencies most often occur in low magnesium soils and/or the year following high calcium/low magnesium limestone application.

Zinc continues to be a micronutrient that needs attention, especially on high yielding corn and alfalfa. You may want to consider testing for zinc the next time you submit a soil sample.

Prior to 2000-01, we had several successive mild winters. As a result, insect populations increased dramatically. A very cold December 2000 helped reduce many of these insect populations, but it didn't prevent insect problems. We had many.

True armyworms occurred in their highest numbers since 1992. They did tremendous damage to wheat and fescue fields across the southern half of Missouri. Some fescue sod pastures and several seed production fields were completely destroyed.

Webworms became a tremendous pest in alfalfa, but also reached economic treatment threshold levels in soybeans, something I had never seen before. Alfalfa weevils devastated many alfalfa fields in April, especially seedling stands that had not yet built up enough root reserves to recover from severe foliar feeding.

Corn borers were especially troublesome in central and northern Missouri. Stinkbugs continue to be an up and coming pest. We observed many late-season soybean fields where yield was severely cut by stinkbug pod feeding. Because insect populations are so dynamic, we need to do a better job of in-season detection and respond to these populations as they occur.

Overall, weed control was good this year. Residual corn herbicides held grasses well and allowed few late season cocklebur, morning glory and other broadleaf weed escapes. Once again, the Roundup Ready soybean system worked well and continues to dominate soybean weed control.

I made very few herbicide drift calls in 2001. Custom applicators and crop producers are doing a much better job managing drift compared to previous years, especially on burndown or midseason applications of non-selective herbicides. Callisto and Guardsman Max were used on limited corn acres in 2001 and show promise as major new herbicides for 2002.

Forage crops had very high weed pressure in 2001. The ragweed species were especially troublesome. Widespread detection of lanceleaf ragweed occurred. This is the first year I can remember this being a troublesome weed. Likewise, 2001 was a big musk thistle year. Missouri added three new weeds to its noxious weed list in 2001. These were kudzu, common teasel and cutleaf teasel.

Many of these weeds are showing up and causing qualification problems in CRP fields. Sericea lespedeza is becoming a major pasture weed. Hopefully, Missouri will overcome political pressures and follow the Kansas lead to declare this species a noxious weed. I believe that improved forage weed and brush control will return more income per dollar spent by our animal producers than any other agricultural input.

Soybean replants were exceptionally high in 2001. Most replants resulted from early planting followed by a wet May/June. Once again, it appears that soybean seed treatment was a wise investment.

Corn lodging incidence has increased over the past several years, with 2001 having many down fields. I believe that higher seeding rates/plant populations are forcing individual corn plants to grow upward while competing for sunlight. This causes smaller stalk diameters. Breeding efforts have been directed toward higher yield and higher ear set.

Smaller stalk diameter, heavy ear load and high ear set are a recipe for lodging. Cutbacks on potassium fertilizer have also weakened corn stalk strength. If you are experiencing excessive lodging, please keep these issues in mind.

This wrapup isn't the whole story of the past year, but highlights a few agronomic issues that occurred in 2001. Hopefully, you had a good year and are positioned for a better 2002.