For much of the province, mean temperatures have taken a
nose-dive over the last couple of weeks. The following chart shows the daily temperatures
for Kentville from May 1st to today (May 23).
(For more information on the chart, click here: https://kentville.weatherstats.ca/charts/temperature-daily.html
)
These cold temperatures are occurring after a relatively
warm spring that has pushed growth forward. Many plants are now showing
stunting (slower growth) and yellowing lower leaves. This is due to a reduction
in the soil mineralization rate of nitrogen that results from these colder temperatures.
If you are observing yellowing of older
leaves or slowed growth, a small application of plant available nitrogen such
as urea or hydrolyzed fish will help to keep plants on their vigorous growth
curve until soil mineralization rates start to increase again with the warmer
temperatures that are expected in the coming weeks.
Additionally, some areas of the province are experiencing
slight flooding events in their fields with the current rains we are having.
If you are concerned about how this may affect your crop, we recently recorded
an excellent webinar on “Plant Eco-Physiological responses to excessive water
and extra nitrogen input” with Dalhousie’s Dr. Mason MacDonald.
Here is a YouTube link to that webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz33h15zf60
If you have any concerns about current field or crop
conditions, please reach out to me at tmorcom@perennia.ca
Cheers,
Tim
