Studying Smoke Impact

Canadian wildfire smoke may have played a larger role in this year’s crop outcomes than first thought. Peterson Farms Seed Lead Agronomist Rick Swenson says more study is needed. Smoke and ozone levels can interfere with photosynthesis and cause stress on plant tissue. “For photosynthesis,  it can definitely have an impact that way,” said Swenson. “I think the biggest question to me as I dive into it more is what can some of the effects of ozone or just some of the effects of ozone on the plant, what does it actually do to the tissues, and things like that? Because those can both be negative to corn and soybeans.” Swenson said soybean yields could be five to seven bushels below expectations, noting that research into smoke and ozone impacts on crops is just beginning.