October 7, 2013
Clemson University Peanut Specialist Scott Monfort held up a peanut plant at a recent South Carolina field day and asked growers what caused the obvious demise of the plant.
With all the historic rainfall occurring in the state, the options for answers were nearly limitless, but in this case it was potash deficiency.
A lack of potassium is almost unheard of in Southeast peanut production, and Monfort explained that this occurrence was rare this year in South Carolina.
However, such a rare deficiency is characteristic of nutrient losses that have shown up across the Southeast in the wake of what many are calling a 100-year rainfall.
From the Florida Panhandle to the Northern Neck of Virginia people have suffered through what is proving to be a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence for farmers in the region.
Some areas, like the Piedmont Region of North Carolina and Low Country Region of South Carolina seem to have been especially hard hit.
Clemson University Extension Ag Agent Charles Davis says one thing for sure is that farmers better soil sample more thoroughly than ever, because this past year has depleted soils of nutrients more than ever.
Rainfall in most of North Carolina has been at record high levels from early spring through summer, with some areas receiving more than 30 inches. As a result, most crops have struggled due to poorly developed root systems.
Agronomists warn that the growth of upcoming crops is also likely to be affected unless soil-nutrient reserves are monitored and replenished.
Soil sampling a critical issue
David Hardy, chief of the Soil Testing Section with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Carl Crozier, soil science professor and extension specialist at North Carolina State University, urge growers to be particularly vigilant about soil sampling this summer and fall.
“Our sandy, light-colored soils have limited ability to hold nutrients to begin with,” Hardy says.
“And some of our nutrients are what we call ‘mobile in soils,’ simply meaning they move with excessive water through the soil. Farmers are more familiar with the term ‘leaching.’