|
Now is the time to be watching soil temperatures in determining
when to start planting. Here are some facts to help make the
best choices when to plant.
Temperature can be critical...
If the soil temperature is above 50 degrees when the seed
is planted, growth will initiate. Seeds planted into colder
soils start moisture absorption without initiating growth,
leading to less consistent emergence. If soil temperature
drops after planting, the seed will halt growth while it waits
for warmer temperatures. The colder scenario continues to
be out of sync with the seed's intentions and more prone to
seed decay and ultimately more stand loss.
The first drink is also important...
When a corn seed is placed in the ground, it will absorb 30%
of its weight in water in the first several days. This absorption
is not temperature dependent. The corn seed will initiate
the radical (root) and coleptile (shoot) when soil temperature
is above 50 degrees. Consequently, soil still too cold will
lead to the seed absorbing moisture without growth which can
lead to uneven emergence, seed decay, and possibly seed death.
What's YOUR soil's temperature?
The best way to measure soil temperature is to insert a thermometer
4 inches deep in the soil during the morning. Soil temperature
is affected by the time of the day. A sunny day recently saw
the maximum air temperature of 55 degrees. But the temperature
at 10:00 am, 4 inches deep was 44 degrees, a swing of over
10 degrees. Also, the temperature under sod was 5 degrees
cooler both in the high and low temperature.
A very good website giving soil temperature and moisture
information daily for Illinois is at
the University of Illinois, click HERE.
If you have any questions regarding soil temperatures feel
free to contact me
at (815) 378-0083.
Rick Griesbach
PRA/Hintzsche Agronomist
|
