By Emma Heiden
University of Minnesota Extension Summer Intern
Year after year, farmers are faced with many different challenges in their fields. Some of these challenges may be prevented or reduced by just going out and scouting your fields weekly. Early-season scouting is crucial for identifying potential problems such as pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies, which can positively impact yields.
Traditional crop scouting involves walking through your fields and inspecting the plants in person. Current technology, like drones and satellites, with high-resolution imagery provides valuable aerial views, helping to identify field patterns.
Before you start scouting your fields you should know the basics of your crop like different growth stages, scouting patterns.
Essential tools include:
•Sweeping net for insect identification
•Notepad and pen for documentation
•Knife for splitting stalks to examine tissue
•Spade for checking roots
•Soil probe for collecting soil samples
•Bags for bringing samples back
Scouting methods vary by crop stage. During emergence, check for even sprouting and spacing. After emergence, look for deficiencies and pests, and consider taking tissue samples for analysis.
Identifying the problems in fields is the first step. The next step is treatment. Which requires careful research, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
If you have questions about this or any other horticulture, agriculture or natural resources topic, please reach out to your local Extension educator. Fillmore and Houston County residents can call (507) 765-3896 or (507) 725-5807.