Reports are for agronomic crops leading up to April 1, 2019.
Western Maryland
Soil temperatures have been hovering in the low to mid-40’s for the last two weeks. The extended forecast predicts a stretch of 70+ degree days, and soil temperatures may climb above 50 degrees quickly. Reports from The National Weather Service indicate that precipitation in March in Frederick was approximately one inch above normal. A few vegetables such as onions and garlic have been planted. The dry weather has allowed for pasture and hay greenup fertilizer to be applied. A lot of the early corn fertilizer has also gone out. Small grain is finally starting to break and the first shot of N got on in the last two weeks. –Kelly Nichols & Matt Morris
Northern Maryland
Winter and early spring in northern MD has been wet. Right now the region is about 1-3 inches above average precipitation depending on where you are. Wet weather has delayed most all field preparation operations. The past week or so has been dry enough for tractors to start rolling and catching up. Most all wheat for grain has had it’s first shot of nitrogen and is now greening up nicely; but fields are variable. Fertilizer applications in less-than-ideal conditions has left a lot of ruts in fields, so compaction is likely to be an issue this year. Several farms have attempted to remedy this with subsoilers. Soil temperatures are creeping up slowly but are still in the low to mid 40’s. –Andy Kness
Upper & Mid Eastern Shore
Most of the fields are in good shape (moisture wise), which has been conducive for early field work. The 1st application of fertilizer has been made on small grain with very little “wet spot” problems. Burn down herbicide applications are being made for early corn and soybean plantings. Most important; lime and manure applications followed by vertical tillage are progressing quickly and efficiently for a change. Hay is greening up, but off to a slow start. –Jim Lewis
Lower Eastern Shore
The region is greening up with cover crop growth. No acreage has been reported yet to Somerset County Soil Conservation for cover crop burndown. As of now, the ground is wet and too cold for planting. Corn planting is anticipated to start between April 19th-22nd. Some of the ground is beginning to be worked with turbo-tilling and other practices. –Sarah Hirsh
Southern Maryland
Farmers are busy preparing for planting. Field conditions remained wet until 2 weeks ago. Farmers are now playing catch up with most operations running later than normal. Everyone is busy spreading litter/manure, applying herbicides and completing field operations before planting commences in a couple of weeks. Many fields have soils that are in poor condition suffering from compaction and ruts as result of the continual rain. When fields have finally dried out, they are commonly hard and difficult to work with poor structure and little soil tilth. Small grain crops are approaching jointing stage now and only in fair condition. There is a lot of variability across wheat and barley fields this year. The first application of nitrogen has been made. Hayfields are greening up now.–Ben Beale
