June 26, 2026 and

Nutrient and Management Tips for New Jersey Soybean Production

In New Jersey, soybeans generally do well in terms of productivity, but final yield largely depends on early-season soil conditions, balanced plant nutrition, and timely field management, particularly in sandy soil areas of the Coastal Plain and Southern part of New Jersey.

Importance of early-season establishment

The final yield potential (to be achieved later in the season) of soybean largely depends on how the crop established early in the season. If there is a poor emergence or is nutrient deficiency in early growth stages, it can decrease the final number of pods per acre and slow down the canopy growth. So, primary areas of focus during the early season are:

  • To ensure uniformity in planting depth and better seed-to-soil contact for better emergence/stand count.
  • To avoid planting into cold/wet soil to save emerging seeds from cold injury.
  • To ensure strong nodulation for better rhizobium activity.

Nutrients Management Considerations

Soybeans, being a leguminous crop, don’t need nitrogen (for the most part as they can fix most of their nitrogen needs by themselves), but they need other nutrients:

  • Phosphorus for early root development (to absorb water/nutrients and to anchor the plant in the soil) and nodulation. Very high (more than optimum) levels of phosphorus were seen in many New Jersey soils so, no phosphorus fertilizer is recommended for such soils. However, for the soils showing high/optimum phosphorus levels, it is still suggested to apply phosphorus at least in amount equivalent to that is removed by the soybean crop (40 lbs. P2O5/acre for a 40 Bu/acre of grain yield).
  • Potassium for water regulation and pod fill (determinant of final yield). To the soils showing potassium in high levels, it is still needed to apply 55 lbs. of K2O/acre for a 40 Bu/acre of grain yield, to account for the potassium removed by the soybean crop. For soils showing below optimum potassium levels, the rate of potassium is recommended to be higher than the 55 lbs. of K2O/acre, depending on what the yield goal is. For a yield goal of 40 Bu/acre, if potassium levels are below optimum, potassium recommendations are to apply between 70-170 lb. K2O/acre depending on the potassium levels (180-0 lbs. K/acre) shown in soil test (Mehlich-3). Also, it is important to mention the fields with soybean planted as a double crop, where potassium removal from the preceding small grain crop should be accounted for in fertilization planning by adjusting the soil test potassium results to avoid early season potassium deficiency. For example, a 45 Bu/acre soybean crop removes roughly 100–114 lb. K/acre (120–137 lb. K₂O/acre) from soil when potassium removed by the preceding small grain crop and its straw is also included with the potassium removed by soybean grain.
  • Sulfur has been increasingly becoming critical for last two decades, especially in highly leached, low organic matter, and sandy soils because of the decrease in natural sulfur deposits in soil owing to the stricter environmental regulations after the enactment of clean air act of 1990. Sulfur recommendations for soybeans are 20-40 lbs./acre (if broadcasted) or 20-30 lbs./acre (banded).
  • Manganese is the micronutrient that is seen deficient in most of the South Jersey’s coarse textured soils. The deficiency is visible in the form of green veins with yellowness appearing between the veins. For soils having the history of Manganese deficiency, recommendations are 15 lbs./acre (broadcast) or 5 lbs./acre (banded) of Manganese, if applied by soil. If a foliar application, recommendations are to apply three times (1st application as soon as the symptoms appear, 2nd application on later vegetative stage, and 3rd at early pod stage) with each application of 0.5-2.0 lbs./acre.
  • Maintaining pH between 6.2 and 6.8 is generally good for all nutrient’s availability. However, if pH is outside this range, the nutrients that are present in the soil still become unavailable to the soybean plant.

In many New Jersey soybean fields, mild potassium and sulfur deficiencies are more prevalent compared to visible nitrogen deficiency.

Management specific to the Southern New Jersey Soils

Southern New Jersey’s sandy soils lose nutrients rapidly due to high leaching, lose moisture faster during reproductive stages, and encounter nutrient stress even when soil test results say, “adequate level”. Therefore, split or targeted nutrient management and regular soil testing are very helpful.

In-season crop management

At R1 (flowering stage) to R3 (early pod set stage), it is suggested 1) to be watchful for yellowing on leaves or uneven canopy development, 2) to keep checking if nodulation working effectively (red/pink nodules signify better nitrogen fixation), and 3) to ensure no hidden potassium or sulfur deficiency, especially when high rainfall occurs (high leaching rate).

Takeaways (Summary)

Improved soybean yields in New Jersey are tied to 1) good early season establishment, 2) balanced nutrition of phosphorus, potassium (especially in double-crop soybean), sulfur, and manganese, 3) prudent monitoring of nutrient losses in sandy soils, and 4) timely field scouting during flowering and pod set. Taken together, productivity of New Jersey soybeans relies less on high inputs, but more on early-season balance (nutrition) and timely monitoring.

References

  • Huddell, A. M., Thapa, R., Marcillo, G. S., Abendroth, L. J., Ackroyd, V. J., Armstrong, S. D., & Mirsky, S. B. (2024). US cereal rye winter cover crop growth database. Scientific data, 11(1), 200.
  • New Jersey Soybean Board. (n.d.). NJ Production Guide. https://njsoybean.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/50737-8-New-Jersey-Tech-Transfer-Guide_LR6.pdf
  • Rutgers Cooperative Extension. (n.d.). Soil fertility recommendations for soybean (FS102). Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
  • Heckman, J. R. (1992). Successful double cropping requires adequate soil fertility. The Soil Profile, 2(2). Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
  • Sharma, R. K., Cox, M. S., Oglesby, C., & Dhillon, J. S. (2024). Revisiting the role of sulfur in crop production: A narrative review. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 15, 101013.
Filed Under: Agrivoltaics, Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock
June 15, 2026

Fertigation: Improving Nitrogen Management In New Jersey Vegetable Crops

Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for vegetable production, but it can also be one of the easiest to lose (by leaching), especially on New Jersey’s sandy Coastal Plain soils. Heavy rainfall or excessive irrigation can move nitrogen below the crop root zone before plants have a chance to use it.

One way growers can improve nitrogen-use efficiency is through fertigation. Fertigation is the application of fertilizer through an irrigation system. In many New Jersey vegetable crops, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, watermelons, and sweet corn, drip irrigation systems can be used to deliver small amounts of nitrogen throughout the season rather than applying all of it at planting.

Applying nitrogen in smaller, timely doses helps match crop demand and can reduce the risk of nutrient losses. Fertigation also gives growers more flexibility to adjust nitrogen programs based on crop growth and weather conditions. For example, following periods of heavy rainfall, growers can evaluate fields and make adjustments if additional nitrogen is needed.

Like any management practice, successful fertigation depends on proper irrigation scheduling. Applying too much water can still move nutrients below the root zone. However, when irrigation and fertilizer applications are properly managed, fertigation can be an effective tool to improve nitrogen efficiency, support crop productivity, and reduce nutrient losses.

When does fertigation make sense?

  • Fields equipped with drip irrigation systems.
  • High-value vegetable crops with season-long nutrient demand.
  • Sandy soils with greater leaching potential.
  • Situations where growers want flexibility to adjust nitrogen applications during the growing season

Common New Jersey crops where fertigation may be beneficial

Tomato, pepper, cucumber, pumpkin, watermelon, muskmelon, and sweet corn production systems that utilize irrigation.

Some common things to know when fertigating

  • Use only fully soluble fertilizers that can move easily through the irrigation system.
  • Base fertilizer selections on soil test results. Fields with high phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels may only require supplemental nitrogen during the season.
  • Common fertigation materials include soluble NPK fertilizers, calcium nitrate, and potassium nitrate.
  • Ensure fertilizer injectors are properly calibrated and matched to the flow rate of the irrigation system for uniform nutrient distribution.
  • Start irrigation first and allow the system to reach normal operating pressure before injecting fertilizer.
  • After fertigating, continue irrigating briefly to flush fertilizer from the drip lines.
  • Avoid over-irrigation, as excess water can move nutrients below the root zone and reduce fertilizer-use efficiency.
  • Regularly inspect drip lines, filters, and injectors to ensure the system is operating properly.
  • Calculate fertigation rates based on the actively cropped area rather than the entire field acreage.

References

  • Ernst, T., McWhirt, A., Zimmerman, T., Henderson, E., Duncan, M., and Lay-Walters, A. Basics of Drip Irrigation and Fertigation for Specialty Crops (FSA6160). University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
  • Johnson, G. 2010. Fertigating Drip Irrigated Vegetables. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, Weekly Crop Update.
  • Kelley, L. 2026. Nitrogen Prices Spawn Interest in Fertigation. Michigan State University Extension.
Filed Under: Agrivoltaics, Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, vegetable, Vegetable Crops
June 8, 2026

New World Screwworm: Why New Jersey Livestock Producers Should Be Aware

Recent detection (on June 3, 2026) of New World screwworm in Texas (Zavala County) have renewed attention to a livestock pest that was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. While the current detections are far from New Jersey, they serve as a reminder of the importance of animal health surveillance and routine livestock inspections.

  • What is New World Screwworm: New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae (maggots) feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Unlike common fly maggots that typically feed on dead or decaying tissue, screwworm larvae invade healthy tissue, causing painful and rapidly expanding wounds that can lead to severe animal health problems if left untreated.
  • Why Is It in the News: The pest was eradicated from the United States in the 1960s and 1970s through a successful sterile insect release program. However, outbreaks in Central America and Mexico have moved northward in recent years, resulting in recent detections in Texas. Federal and state animal health officials are actively responding to these detections to prevent establishment and further spread.
  • Should New Jersey Producers Be Concerned: At this time, there is no reason for alarm in New Jersey. However, livestock owners should be aware of the pest and its symptoms because early detection is critical to successful control efforts.
  • Animals at Risk: New World Screwworm can affect cattle, sheep, goats, horses, swine, pets (dogs and cats), and wildlife. Any warm-blooded animal with an open wound can potentially be infested.
  • What to Watch For: Producers should monitor animals for wounds that enlarge rapidly, foul-smelling lesions, bloody or pink-tinged discharge, visible maggots in wounds, excessive irritation or rubbing, reduced feed intake, and lethargy or weakness. Pay particular attention to newborn navels, castration sites, dehorning wounds, ear-tagging sites, branding wounds, cuts and abrasions.
  • Good Management Practices: The best defense remains good animal husbandry. Inspect livestock regularly, treat wounds promptly, maintain fly-control programs, monitor newborn and recently processed animals closely, and consult a veterinarian if unusual wound development is observed.
  • Food Safety: New World screwworm is primarily an animal health concern and does not pose a food safety risk to consumers. Its impact is related to animal welfare, livestock productivity, and economic losses rather than meat safety.
  • Stay Informed: Rutgers Cooperative Extension encourages livestock owners to stay informed through USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, and their local veterinarian. While the current risk to New Jersey remains low, awareness and early recognition are important components of protecting animal health.

References

  • Texas Animal Health Commission. (2026, June 3). New World screwworm confirmed in Zavala County calf: First case of NWS in Texas [News release]. (https://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/2026/2026-06-03_NWS_InitialCase.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
  • Kaufman, P., Swiger, S. L., & Herring, A. (2026). New World screwworm fact sheet. (https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/new-world-screwworm-fact-sheet/)
  • Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. (2025, June). New World screwworms: Fact sheet for producers. Kansas State University. (https://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/human-and-animal-health/New%20World%20Screwworms_June2025.pdf)
  • California Department of Food and Agriculture. (2025, June). New World screwworm fact sheet. California Department of Food and Agriculture. (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/pdfs/screwworm_fact_sheet.pdf)

 

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Disease Forecasting, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, pesticide credits
June 3, 2026

Late-Planted Corn in Southern New Jersey: What to Expect and How to Manage in 2026

USDA reports indicate that 93% of the U.S. corn crop was planted by May 31, 2026, slightly ahead of the five-year average, with strong emergence (76%) and 67% of the crop rated good to excellent. However, national progress does not always reflect local conditions. In southern New Jersey (NJ), cooler soil temperatures and variable field conditions pushed some planting into late May and early June. Understanding how these later planting dates influence corn growth and management is critical for optimizing yield potential this season.

Key Takeaways for Growers

  • Yield potential declines with delayed planting after mid-May: Corn planted in early June typically experiences a 5 to 15% yield reduction compared to mid-May planting in the Mid-Atlantic, depending on hybrid maturity and late-season weather.
  • Shorter vegetative period means fewer kernels per ear: Later planting compresses vegetative growth, often reducing leaf area development, kernel rows and kernel number per ear. This is the primary driver of yield loss, not necessarily kernel weight.
  • Higher risk of heat stress during pollination: June-planted corn is more likely to tassel and silk during peak July heat, increasing risk of poor pollination and kernel abortion.
  • Grain fill may extend into cooler fall conditions: Later planting can push grain fill into September–October, increasing risk of slower dry-down, higher grain moisture at harvest, and potential early frost damage (in extreme cases).

Nutrient and Soil Considerations

  • Nitrogen (N) management becomes more critical as rapid early growth in warmer soils can increase N demand. So, consider split N applications or sidedress timing carefully (V5–V7 window still key).
  • Sulfur (S) deficiency risk may increase as warmer, wetter early-season conditions can enhance S leaching in sandy NJ soils. Visual symptoms may appear earlier in late-planted corn due to rapid growth.
  • Potassium (K) uptake timing is compressed as K uptake peaks around V6–VT. So, ensure adequate soil K, especially in coastal plain sandy soils.

Management Adjustments for Late-Planted Corn

  • Consider slightly shorter maturity hybrids if planting delayed beyond mid-June. However, for early June planting, most full-season hybrids are still acceptable.
  • Increase scouting frequency as faster growth means shorter windows to correct deficiencies. Pay attention to N deficiency (lower leaves yellowing) and S deficiency (upper leaves yellowing).
  • Weed control timing is tighter as corn canopy closes faster making narrower herbicide application window.
  • Monitor soil moisture closely as late-planted corn often has higher evapotranspiration demand during peak summer.

Summary

  • Corn planted in early June may face moderate yield risk, but not a major loss under good conditions.
  • The 2026 season will largely depend on weather during pollination (July) and timely nutrient management, especially N and S.
  • With proper in-season management and favorable weather, much of the yield potential can still be preserved.

References

  • Squire, M. 2026. USDA Releases First 2026 Corn Condition Ratings. Successful Farming, June 2, 2026.
  • Crop Progress (June 2026) 19 USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service (chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://esmis.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/release-files/795928/prog2226.pdf)
Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Organic Production
April 20, 2026

SALEM COUNTY AGRONOMY TWILIGHT MEETING-1 (May 1, 2026)

SALEM COUNTY AGRONOMY TWILIGHT MEETING-1

Date & Time: May 1, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
(Program starts at 5:00 PM; please arrive a few minutes early)

Location: Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office, 51 Cheney Rd., Woodstown, NJ 08098

Registration:
Call: 856-769-0090
Email: molly.english@salemcountynj.gov

Credits Approved:

  • CORE: Basic Safety and Handling: 02
  • 1A: Agricultural Plant: 02
  • 10: Demonstration & Research: 02
  • PP2: Private Applicator: 02

Topics & Speakers:

  • The 3R’s of Pesticide Use: Resistance, Rotation, and Regulation
    Speaker: Janine Spies, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
  • The Endangered Species Act Changes to Pesticide Labels
    Speaker: William J. Bamka, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
  • Nitrogen from Air to Soil using Sunlight
    Speaker: Joseph R. Heckman, Rutgers University
  • Agronomist’s Field Guide to Drought Resilience
    Speaker: Ramandeep Sharma, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Organic Production, Vegetable Crops
April 20, 2026

Imbibitional Chilling Injury Risk in Corn

Corn planting is underway across New Jersey (NJ), and early-season weather will strongly influence stand establishment. After a sharp temperature drop from unusually warm conditions earlier in April, the state is now experiencing a highly variable spring pattern with alternating cool and brief warm periods, followed by a gradual shift toward more stable spring conditions into early May. Across NJ, conditions also vary by region, with South Jersey generally experiencing warmer daytime temperatures but still prone to colder nighttime lows in inland areas, Central NJ showing moderate conditions with typical spring day–night temperature swings, and Northwest NJ (Highlands) remaining cooler overall with slower spring warming and delayed soil temperature recovery.

Why This Matters Now

As planting continues across the region, the current cool and fluctuating conditions increase the risk of imbibitional chilling injury. This risk is greatest where soils are saturated, poorly drained, or high in residue, as these conditions slow soil warming and prolong seed exposure to cold water during early imbibition. Imbibitional chilling injury occurs when corn seed absorbs cold water (generally in soils <50°F) during the first 24–48 hours after planting, leading to membrane damage, poor germination, uneven emergence, abnormal seedlings.

Weather Outlook and Implications (All temperature ranges discussed below are based on Weather25.com long-range forecast data for NJ)

April 20–22: Cold stress dominates early establishment window. Imbibitional Injury Risk Index: 9–10/10 (Very High Risk). Across much of NJ, conditions are predicted to remain cool with highs ~50–55°F inland (slightly warmer near coast) and lows ~30–40°F inland (mid-30s to low 40s near coast). Soil temperatures are predicted to remain low and slow to recover due to repeated cold nights following planting. This is the highest-risk period for imbibitional chilling injury, particularly in freshly planted corn where rapid water uptake occurs under cold conditions.

April 23–28: A brief warming event is predicted on April 23 (near upper 60s°F highs in southern/central NJ) followed by cooler and variable conditions through April 28 (upper 40s to upper 50s°F nights and mid-50s to low 60s°F highs). This pattern creates thermal instability in the seed zone, which is especially problematic because seeds may begin imbibition during warm periods, followed by cooling that slows metabolic recovery, resulting in uneven emergence and stand variability

April 29–May 4: Transition to more stable spring conditions. Imbibitional Injury Risk Index: 1–3/10 (Low Risk). Temperatures are predicted to become more seasonally stable across NJ with highs (upper 50s to low/mid-60s°F early, increasing toward upper 60s°F by early May), lows (upper 40s to low 50s°F). Soil temperatures begin accumulating heat more consistently, improving germination rate, emergence uniformity, and early vegetative growth stability. Risk of new imbibitional injury becomes minimal, although earlier planted fields may still show residual stand variability from early cold stress.

Management Guidance

  • Avoid planting ahead of cold rain events or extended cool periods, especially when soil temperatures are below ~50°F
  • Prioritize well-drained fields with lower residue for early planting
  • Use hybrids with strong seedling vigor and cold tolerance in early planting windows
  • Seed treatments may help reduce disease pressure but do not prevent imbibitional chilling injury
  • Evaluate stands after full emergence before making replant decisions

Take-Home Message

With planting underway, NJ is experiencing a critical early-season transition from cool, high-risk conditions to more stable spring temperatures. The period from April 20–22 poses the greatest risk for imbibitional chilling injury, while conditions gradually improve after April 23 and become largely favorable by late April into early May. Careful timing of planting relative to soil temperature and rainfall events will be key to achieving uniform stand establishment.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock