Seeds require optimum soil temperatures to initiate germination and sustain early development, irrespective of the climate zone or year. Farmers who plant before the soil reaches optimum temperatures assume a higher risk of yield loss. This could be due to such factors as seed death, poor germination, or limited initial growth.
Plants require seven micronutrients: boron (B), chlorine (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn). In Nebraska, deficiencies of iron and zinc can be common, depending on soil properties, but deficiencies of the other five micronutrients are rare.