Planting

Photos illustrating two points in rating system used to evaluate freeze damage to seedling corn. These show corn recovery from frost at V1-V2 growth stage in 2014 near Craig
Figure 1. Photos illustrating two points in rating system used to evaluate freeze damage to seedling corn. These show corn recovery from frost at V1-V2 growth stage in 2014 near Craig. (Photo by Roger Elmore)

Frozen, Emerged Corn?

May 10, 2019
Temperatures in some fields early Friday morning may have caused some to remember 2017 conditions and wonder about possible frost damage to corn seedlings. Here's how this year is different.

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Figure 1. A research plot at the university’s Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center (ENREC) near Mead on May 13, 2019. The entire plot is covered with no-till corn residue. The west half also is covered with a November 17 planted cereal rye cover crop. Soil temperatures 2 inches deep were recorded in each half, but were essentially the same, so are averaged in this report.
Figure 1. A research plot at the university’s Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center (ENREC) near Mead on May 13, 2019. The entire plot is covered with no-till corn residue. The west half also is covered with a November 17 planted cereal rye cover crop. Soil temperatures 2 inches deep were recorded in each half, but were essentially the same, so are averaged in this report.

Soybean Germination/Emergence with April Planting Dates Relative to Coincident Air and Soil Temperatures in April and May

May 16, 2019
A closer look at air and soil temperatures in April and soybean germination and emergence from 10 planting dates did not find chilling injury, despite periods below 50°F. Further research is needed to better understand the imbibitional period in soybean.

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With Delayed Corn Planting, Is It Time To Switch Maturities?

May 9, 2019
Research suggests that staying with a full-season hybrid until late May often provides the best yield. If planting is delayed to late May or early June, consider a medium-season CRM might be considered.

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Research plot with no-till corn residue, with left half planted to cereal rye in November 2018

Considerations when Planting Soybean Early

April 25, 2019
If you're planning to get an early start on your soybean planting, be sure to check for recommended soil temperatures and the forecast for the coming 48 hours to ensure optimal conditions for achieving good emergence.

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Planter ready to enter the field.

Corn and Soybean Planting Considerations

April 24, 2019
Planting sets the stage for a successful crop with an even emergence and stand. Consider these tips to help ensure you're providing favorable planting condition via proper soil conditions, planting window, planting depth, and seeding rates.

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Graph of multiple Corn Belt studies looking at the optimum corn planting window

Windows of Opportunity for Corn Planting: Data from Across the Corn Belt

April 24, 2019
A survey of published research on corn planting dates in the central northern Corn Belt indicates there is a window from mid-April to mid-May when optimum yields can be achieved.

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Graph showing irrigated corn yield departure from Trend-Line Yields and Corn Planting Progress by April 29 for 1985-2018 (excluding 1993 data) in Nebraska. From USDA-NASS survey data.

Windows of Opportunity for Corn Planting: Nebraska Data

April 24, 2019
Does early planting of corn necessarily result in higher yields? An examination of Nebraska research and data from USDA NASS sheds light on the question, indicating that, up to mid-May, other factors may affect final yield more than planting date.

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By replacing one solid closing wheel with a spiked one, closing the seed-vee becomes easier in a variety of conditions.

Avoiding Sidewall Compaction at Planting

April 19, 2019
Don't let this season's planting conditions get the better of your crop stand. Described here are four factors contributing to sidewall compaction and steps you can take to minimize the challenge.

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