Spring Freeze Risk
April 8, 2016
Soil conditions, the weather forecast, freeze risk and projected days needed for planting are all part of the decision as to when to get into the field. These factors can be highly variable from year to year and it can be challenging to know when we will reach, and maintain, soil temperatures conducive to proper crop germination.
Forecast: More Storms, Moisture on Track for Nebraska
March 24, 2016
After an exceptionally warm and dry start to March, a powerful storm system moving across the country dropped significant snowfall accumulations from eastern Colorado through northern Michigan mid-week. Heavy snow accumulations were reported in Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Cooler Temperature Swing Likely in Second Half of March
March 9, 2016
Soil temperatures have begun to respond to the recent warming trend with soil temperatures 4 inches under bare soil in the southern half of Nebraska averaging between 45°F and 48°F, while those in the northern half are averaging between 42°F and 45°F.
Assessing Freeze Injury to Wheat
Extension advises growers who are concerned about recent abnormally low temperatures to wait five days or so after the freeze to assess plant damage, as it takes several days of warm weather for injury to become apparent.