Flooded Fields? What Growers Need to Know About Nitrogen, Disease & Heat Stress

In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, Pioneer agronomists Crystal Williams and Carl Joern break down the agronomic challenges many growers are facing as the 2026 growing season reaches its midpoint. As warmer, more humid conditions settle across the Corn Belt, Crystal and Carl discuss increasing disease pressure, including tar spot, white mold, crown rot, Phytophthora, and other moisture-related diseases. They also share how Pioneer’s new fungicide timing tool helps growers optimize application timing based on weather, crop development, and disease risk. The discussion covers how saturated soils impact corn and soybean growth, nitrogen availability, sulfur deficiencies, and when rescue fertilizer applications may make economic sense. They also explain why crop stage matters when evaluating flood damage and how planting date has influenced crop resilience this season. Listen for tips on: Managing nitrogen and sulfur after heavy rainfall Recognizing flood stress in corn and soybeans Tar spot identification and scouting tips White mold management strategies The importance of nighttime temperatures during heat waves Corn rootworm scouting recommendations Field-by-field decision making during a challenging season Subscribe for more Pioneer Agronomy videos and practical, in-season crop management advice from the field! Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming.Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.