Purdue experts say Indiana flooding could cause crop losses

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) – Purdue Extension experts say Indiana farmers should be prepared for possible crop losses while assessing damage from recent rains and flooding.

Corn specialist Bob Nielsen says no one can say for certainty immediately after a storm whether a ponded area of a corn field will survive. But he says many fields deteriorating because of the rain, particularly in northern Indiana.

Nielsen says young corn can likely survive about four days in standing water if temperatures are relatively cool. The risk increases the longer the plant is under water.

Soil fertility specialist Jim Camberato says poor field conditions have also made it difficult for some farmers to fertilize crops.

Soybeans are typically planted later than corn and could be especially vulnerable to flooding since those plants are less developed.