When To Plant?….Soil Temps….

When to Plant?…..Temperature Update….

 

The above photos are the latest 6-10 and 8-14 temperature outlooks as well as the latest three month temp and precip outlooks.  The current 7-10 day outlook is for much below normal temperatures throughout the cornbelt.  However, many recent forecasts are talking about a warming trend starting towards the end of next week.    Also, note that the latest three month outlooks continue to show above normal heat and drier conditions for May/June/July.  I don’t have the map included, but the one month temperature outlook is for above normal in May….we shall see!!

Soil Temperatures….

The photo above is soil temp @4″ depth, from April 15th @ 8:30am.  Shows just above 40 degrees.  This is in a silt loam bottom, in residue, on old soybean stubble.  Yesterday, April 14th, it was 42 degrees.   I would expect soil temps to get down to the upper 30’s before it begins to warm up.  I would expect soil temps to hover around the 40 degree mark for the next week or so.   However, the good news is that soil temps will warm up just as quickly once we return to a warm period.

Considering the current 5-7 day forecast, it is best for now that the seed stays in the bag or box.  We will continue to monitor soil temps going forward.  As always, making the soil dark at planting will improve uniformity of emergence and stand establishment….when no-tilling don’t be afraid to move trash….better to be overly aggressive with the trash whippers than not…..

From Pioneer article link…..”Corn seed is particularly susceptible to cold stress during imbibition. Warmer, moist conditions for the first 24-48 hours after planting can mitigate much of the cold stress.  Early planting often exposes seeds to hydration with cold water, which can cause direct physical damage. When the dry seed imbibes cold water as a result of a cold rain or melting snow, imbibitional chilling injury may result. The cell membranes of the seed lack fluidity at low temperatures, and under these conditions, the hydration process can result in rupture of the membranes. Cell contents then leak through this rupture and provide a food source for invading pathogens. Cold water can similarly affect seedling structures as they begin to emerge. The degree of damage ranges from seed death to abnormalities such as corkscrews or fused coleoptiles.”    If possible, it is best to plant into a warming trend than into cold soils that will continue to stay cold for sometime.   Also, feel confident in Pioneer’s stress test scores.  Pioneer leads the industry in stress emergence testing.  Please contact us if you need the latest stress emergence scores.

See attachment for article from Pioneer Hi-bred on soil temps and emergence….

https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/soil_temp_corn_emergence.html

Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.  Have a safe and successful planting season!  Thank you for your time!

Starman Seed Service, Inc.