Figure 1. Field of early-planted corn that burned up due to drought conditions during the early season in 2017. (Photo by Strahinja Stepanovic)
Figure 1. Field of early-planted corn that burned up due to drought conditions during the early season in 2017. (Photo by Strahinja Stepanovic)

Impact of Hybrid Selection, Planting Date, and Seeding Rates on Dryland Corn in Western Nebraska

December 14, 2018
Results from a one-year study in western Nebraska to evaluate the effects of planting date on dryland corn and whether seeding rate recommendations should be reconsidered for late planting dates.

Read more

Soybean fields in planting date study at UNL's East Campus
Planting date studies conducted on UNL's East Campus showed yield decreases of 1/4 bu/ac (2003) and 5/8 bu/ac (2004) for each day after May 1 that soybean were planted.

Amplifying Positive Impacts of Early Soybean Planting

April 19, 2018
The benefits of planting soybean near May 1 are well documented. Now, what are the next steps growers can take to further expand on these benefits? Are different maturity groups warranted? What groups are typically being used in irrigated and rainfed environments in Nebraska?

Read more

Figure 1. Planting into cold soil (below 50°F) when cold conditions are expected for the next 48 hours can lead to germination problems and seedlings not emerging or not emerging well. 1a. Corn seedling that started leafing out below ground and now has twisted leaves which will delay or negate normal plant development.. Figures 1b-c. Unemerged seedlings attempting to leaf out belowground. None of the seedlings shown should be counted as a productive plant.
Figure 1. Planting into cold soil (below 50°F) when cold conditions are expected for the next 48 hours can lead to germination problems and seedlings not emerging or not emerging well. 1a. Corn seedling that started leafing out below ground and now has twisted leaves which will delay or negate normal plant development.. Figures 1b-c. Unemerged seedlings attempting to leaf out belowground. None of the seedlings shown should be counted as a productive plant.

Cold Soil Temperature and Corn Planting Windows

April 12, 2018
With stormy conditions back in the picture, many growers may be concerned about planting corn into cold, wet soils? By checking weather forecasts and soil temperature at planting (in the field and online) and the cold tolerance of seed, growers can identify 48-hour windows of opportunity for planting.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more