Michigan has experienced a unique growing season due to precipitation challenges. The dry bean season started off extremely dry before above-average rainfall came in July. According to Michigan State University Extension specialists, crop damage appeared in regions that received excessive precipitation. Reports of prolonged periods of soil saturation led to damage that was greater and quicker than expected based on the rainfall received. According to one MSU Extension Scott Bales, this type of damage is referred to as waterlogging and results in a lack of dissolved oxygen in wet soils. “While this is less than ideal for crop growth, we find that well-drained fields will survive initial waterlogging and return to normal. However, one waterlogged, they will often struggle for the remainder of the season.”
