Weather and climate conditions this week in Wisconsin
Here are this month’s take-home points about the weather. Scroll down for the full downloadable report.
Current Wisconsin weather and climate conditions
- Multiple days of precip last week brought 2-4” across portions of C and NE WI, with totals of at least a half inch common.
- Above average temperatures were common across most of the state, with several days in the south hitting highs of 70+ᵒF.
Impact
- Soil moisture conditions are trending wetter-than-average across the north/central but continue to remain dry in the south.
- >97% of the state is drought-free, with the remining D1 coverage in the far SW.
- Corn and soybean planting make small gains from last week (4% & 6% complete, respectively; Source: NASS).
- Wisconet soil temperature readings at 4” are at or above 50ᵒF across the south and central regions.
- Frost/freeze risk is still existent across the state, so be wary of this as you consider your planting plans.
Outlook for Wisconsin weather and climate
- Be aware of the risk of frost/freeze on the mornings of April 30th and May 3rd.
- Things look less active for precip this week, with the best chances for precip in the SE corner of the state.
- Early to mid-May is showing a strong likelihood to be warmer-than-normal, with a lean towards less-than-normal precip. May as a whole is showing a lean towards warmer and drier as well.
Agronomic considerations
- Field Work and Conditions
- Soil temperatures to 4″ are still cool in some northern areas, ensure temps are reaching 50 degrees at a minimum before planting. (See WiscoNet). Also note upcoming insurance dates.
- Avoid trafficking fields in moist conditions to prevent compaction and rutting.
- Consider preplant nitrate tests to assess nitrate levels before fertilizing.
- Avoid fertilizer applications in wet and cool conditions. Nitrogen loss is greater in wet conditions.
- In drier regions of the state, consider earlier termination of cover crops to retain soil moisture if conditions remain dry. If conditions are wet, consider delaying termination to manage excess soil moisture.
- Manure Applications
- Reminder of Wisconsin’s NR 151 Runoff Rules with the timing of manure spreading and current runoff levels. Check DATCP Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast.
- Pest Management
- Start scouting fields by foot to note any early emerging weeds.
- Ensure temperatures (day, night, and soil) are conducive for herbicide applications. Pre-emergent herbicides require moisture for activation.
- Be observant of black cutworm and true armyworm moths migrating to the state. Check trap catches in your region with the DATCP Pest Survey.
- Forage Management
- Check existing alfalfa fields for signs of winterkill (Evaluating stands).
- New alfalfa seedings can germinate at 32-34°F; most of the state is past low temperatures being dangerous for new seedlings.
- Small Grains
- Assess winter grain stands and fertility needs. Reports of winterkill have been reported in Central Wisconsin and north.
- Specialty crops- Vegetables
- Adult seedcorn maggot flies, which affect a range of vegetable crops, have emerged in southern Wisconsin. These pests overwinter in Wisconsin as pupae in the soil. When the flies emerge, they are attracted to fields with high organic matter. If possible, terminate and incorporate cover crops 2-3 weeks before planting to reduce the attractiveness of these fields as egg laying sites. Delaying direct seeding until soil is warmer will reduce the risk of seedling damage. Also be aware of similar risks from cabbage and onion maggot flies, which emerge later in the season.
- More info on seedcorn maggots, cabbage maggots and onion maggots
- Common asparagus beetle populations will reach damaging levels in southern Wisconsin in the next 2-3 weeks. Scouting should occur in the afternoon when these beetles are most active
- More info on asparagus beetles
- Start scouting for black cutworm migrating to the state with weather fronts. Check trap catches in your region with the DATCP pest survey.
- Reference the Vegetable Disease and Insect Forecasting Network (VDIFN) to know what diseases and insects to be scouting for in your area.
- Adult seedcorn maggot flies, which affect a range of vegetable crops, have emerged in southern Wisconsin. These pests overwinter in Wisconsin as pupae in the soil. When the flies emerge, they are attracted to fields with high organic matter. If possible, terminate and incorporate cover crops 2-3 weeks before planting to reduce the attractiveness of these fields as egg laying sites. Delaying direct seeding until soil is warmer will reduce the risk of seedling damage. Also be aware of similar risks from cabbage and onion maggot flies, which emerge later in the season.
- Specialty Crops- Fruit
- Plum curculio adults have been observed in southern Wisconsin this week. Growers with historic populations may consider monitoring orchard perimeters and/or use pyramid monitoring traps.
- Early-season lepidopteran larvae are emerging and growers with historic populations may consider visually scouting perimeters and/or hanging pheromone monitoring traps.
- Need insect scouting or monitoring supplies? Check out Great Lakes IPM.
- Apple growers can reference the NEWA weather station network for past and forecasted disease infection events. Make sure to keep track of green tip and petal fall dates.
- Check out your nearest weather station: NEWA Weather Station Network (Cornell).
If you would like to obtain a PowerPoint copy of this report, please email rue.genger@wisc.edu.
