Farmers in the upper Midwest are waiting for warmer soil to start planting
news
Farmers in the upper Midwest are waiting for warmer soil to start planting
Many Midwestern corn and soybean farmers are waiting for the soil to warm up before planting.
University of Minnesota Extension corn agronomist Jeff Coulter says brownfield soil temperatures should be at least 50 degrees at a depth of 3 to 4 inches and trending upwards.
“So if that soil temperature drops to about 40 degrees or less within a day or two of planting, that’s not good because it can cause cold damage, which can cause problems with emergence.”
He says the 48 hours after planting is critical.
“If it doesn’t drop to 40 degrees or less within a day or two of planting, then we’re fine. And when it drops to that temperature, say later (about) 5 days after planting, it’s no big deal.”
According to Coulter, farmers also need to be mindful of soil moisture, as uneven emergence occurs when seeding is too wet or too dry.
https://brownfieldagnews.com/news/farmers-in-upper-midwest-waiting-for-warmer-soils-to-begin-planting/ Farmers in the upper Midwest are waiting for warmer soil to start planting
