Planting

Corn leafing out below the surface — Corn seedling leafing out below the soil surface

Planting Delays? It's too Early to Consider Switching Hybrids or Moving to Soybeans May 4, 2016

While corn planting has been delayed in areas of the state due to recent rains, it's too early to consider switching hybrids or switching to soybeans. The author addresses some key points to consider for those waiting to plant and those who planted early and may need to assess stand viability.

Q&A: How are Soil Temperatures Recorded? April 29, 2016

Q: When and how are CropWatch soil temperatures recorded?

Planting Corn into a Cereal Rye Cover Crop April 29, 2016

Cereal rye has become a popular cover crop to reduce soil erosion and add carbon to the soil system.

Photos of canopy closure based on various planting dates — Figure 3. Canopy cover in early July for each planting date in a 2015 Nebraska study. Authors note that fields that have closed canopy and are "green to the eye by the 4th of July" make the best use of sunlight to generate top yields.PD = planting date.

Early Bird Gets the Worm: Benefits of Early Soybean Planting April 20, 2016

A 4-Step Early Bird Guide to Higher Soybean Yield Potential:

Select full-season varieties with proven yield performance.
Know your replant coverage with seed suppliers and insurance.
Shoot for soil temperatures above 50°F during the 48 hours after planting.

Inoculating Your Soybeans: When, Where, Why? April 20, 2016

Nebraska farmers must scrutinize inputs and focus on finding profit for their estimated 5.3 million soybean acres in 2016.

Soybean Seeding Rate Tips April 20, 2016

Numerous soybean seeding rate studies have indicated that a final plant population of about 80,000 to 120,000 plants per acre is likely sufficient for ensuring an economic return, with the latter being based on weighing the slightly higher yield potential with higher final pl

Thermometer taking temperature of residue-covered soil — Taking the soil temperature

Three Key Considerations for Planting Corn and Soybeans April 15, 2016

Planting as early as possible allows your crop to collect solar radiation sooner; however, the practice comes with some risks which need to be weighed against the benefit.

Freeze-damaged corn — Figure 1. In 2014 Nebraska experienced widespread frost on May 15 and 17, resulting in plant damage (left) and "buggy-whipping" tissue-wrapping in early planted corn. (Photos by Jenny Rees)

Risk of Freeze Damage in Early Planted Corn April 14, 2016

With dry conditions the last week and a forecast for rain this weekend, corn planting is progressing rapidly in Nebraska. While warm conditions may persist through April, the potential for freeze risk can still be high when early-planted corn emerges.