Soil Temperature

Tractor planting

Considerations for Planting into Dry Conditions

April 12, 2024
As planting is critical for everything else that happens during the growing season, the dry conditions have led to a variety of questions this spring regarding soil conditions, planting depth, irrigation and herbicides.

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Soybean plant emerging

Tracking Soil and Air Temperatures — Soybean Planting Considerations

April 14, 2021
Results of ongoing Nebraska Extension field demonstrations to determine critical soil temperatures and trends for soybean germination and emergence, plus early soybean planting considerations. 

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Soybean imbibitional time research
Jim loading seed trays for the indoor soybean study (left) and trays in the 36°F cooler (right). (Photos by Jenny Rees)

Demonstrating Critical Imbibitional Time for Soybean

April 14, 2021
This Nebraska Extension indoor study offers a comprehensive analysis of the timing and duration of the critical imbibition water uptake phase for soybean, to assist growers in their decisions on planting dates this spring. 

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Nebraska map showing soil temperatures on March 7, 2019

Soil Temperature Resources

March 8, 2019
An array of web sites and a mobile app provide daily updates of soil temperature data and frost depth to aid in your management decisions. Check out these resources and be sure to bookmark your favorites for future use.

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Weekly
Figure 1. Weekly average soil temperatures as of Thursday, April 5.

Soil Temperatures Reported Daily

April 6, 2018
Soil temperatures, taken at 4 inches below bare soil, are reported daily in CropWatch in both maps and in a table for multiple locations in Nebraska.

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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.

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