Rainfall from spring and into midsummer wasn't unusual in total amount, but it was unusual in how it arrived in central Iowa. Cumulative rainfall data from April 1 to July 20 in Boone, Iowa, was in the upper-middle range of the 30-year record at 19.5 inches.
Rain relates to nitrogen, corn
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Corn silks begin to show on a corn field in early July.
Cumulative rainfall from April 1 to July 20 in Boone, Iowa, across different years.
APSIM-simulated vertical distribution of inorganic nitrogen (NO3 and NH4, in lbs N ac-1) in the soil profile at four time points. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied April 10, and corn was planted May 1.
APSIM sensitivity analysis of how four soil and crop variables respond to rainfall deviation from the 30-year average -- x-axis; positive values indicate more rain. The 30-year average rainfall value is 15 inches.
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