Cold germination test of seed

Cold Germination Test for Corn and Soybeans

April 10, 2018
A cold germination test is used to evaluate the emergence of a seed lot in cold wet soils. Developed to simulate adverse field conditions, it is the most widely used vigor test for corn and soybean.

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Graph of yields from soybean population study

What On-Farm Research has Taught Us about Soybean Seeding Rates

April 6, 2018
More than a decade of on-farm research studies in Nebraska show how soybean seeding rates (and the related input costs) can be reduced without significantly affecting yield. See what growers learned and consider whether a change might benefit your bottom line.

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Consider No-till Seeding Alfalfa This Year

April 6, 2018
No-till seeding alfalfa can help preserve crop residue on the soil surface, reduce soil erosion, limit weed seeds on the soil surface, and perhaps most importantly this year, help conserve soil moisture.

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Chart showing results of soybean row-spacing research

Results from 2017 Soybean Study and Insights for 2018 Planting

February 22, 2018
University researchers report results from studies conducted on herbicide tolerance trait, row spacing (15-inch vs. 30-inch), and soybean maturities (early vs. late) at three locations of the Soybean Management Field Days in summer 2017.

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Field of wheat

Q&A - Any Tips for Setting my Drill for Seeding Wheat?

September 1, 2017
Q: Last year I didn't get good seed-to-soil contact with my wheat seeder and my stands were uneven. What should I do differently? Proper seed depth and weight on the drill are among the factors to check.

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Wheat seeding date map

How Winter Wheat Seeding Date Can Have a Major Effect on Yields

September 1, 2017
The recommended seeding dates for Nebraska's winter wheat vary substantially from one end of the state to the other — from September 1 in the extreme northwest to October 1 in the southeast tip — and have been proven and verified through years of research and farmer experience.

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Meat thermometer measuring soil temperature

Corn, Soybean Planting Considerations for this Week’s Cold Snap

April 24, 2017
With nighttime lows predicted to drop several nights this week, growers are advised to cautiously assess the potential for germination problems due to imbibitional chilling before planting. Agronomists advise checking soil temperatures in each field the day of planting as well as forecast temperatures for 24 hours (soybeans) or 48 hours (corn) after planting.

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Firm Seedbeds For Planting Grasses And Alfalfa

April 10, 2017

Before planting alfalfa or grass this spring, take time to ensure that your seedbed is firm and ready to nurture seedlings.

Walk acoss the field, looking back at your footprints.  Do you sink in more deeply than the soles of your shoes or boots?  If so, your seedbed may be too soft.

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