Where surface soil is dry and hard, it may be difficult for seed openers to penetrate the surface to an adequate seed depth. Producers also should calibrate their planters for penetration. As soil conditions change in different locations or with the weather, it is important that operators check seed placement behind the planter for depth and seed-to-soil contact. Producers should realize that although planters have seed population monitors (so seed drop can be checked from the tractor cab), there is currently no monitor for checking seed depth and seed-to-soil contact. Soil texture plays a role in soil moisture availability, especially in the top 6 inches where coarse-textured soils (e.g., sandy loam and loamy fine sand) tend to dry faster than medium-textured soils (e.g., loam, clay loam, silt loam, and silty clay loam). Good seed depth-1.5 to 2.0 inches or even deeper-is recommended in dry conditions to ensure good moisture availability for successful seed germination. This season, it is very important to control planting soil depth and seedbed. Reduced planting population in seasons when limited soil moisture is anticipated can improve production by reducing competition for limited moisture. Risk can be reduced with realistic yield goals that reflect production conditions because reasonable yield goals can minimize production inputs. Application of liquid fertilizer in limited soil-moisture conditions may decrease seed germination by increasing salt concentration around the seeds, thereby minimizing moisture availability to the seeds. Producers who use liquid starter fertilizer should reevaluate this strategy for this season. Avoid cultivation during persisting dry weather conditions and use alternatives such as herbicides for weed control. No-till, mulch, ridge-till, and strip-till are all effective soil-moisture conservation practices. As mentioned, producers also can save soil moisture by minimizing tillage because each tillage pass releases as much as 0.25 inch of water.Īnother option is to use soil conservation practices. Monitor soil moisture by inspecting the top 6 inches for soil moisture status, with either the hand feel method or with gypsum blocks (see the April 24 ICM newsletter article How to evaluate soil moisture in the field). ![]() When topsoil moisture is limited, producers need to use strategies that to help them compensate for this lack of moisture. Optimal subsoil moisture is 10 inches of plant-available water in the top 5 feet of soil. ![]() Subsoil moisture deficits have been measured, particularly in northwestern and southwestern Iowa, at 5 to 7 inches below optimal levels. If soil moisture is low, producers should minimize tillage unless it is absolutely necessary because each tillage pass can cause soil moisture loss of up to a 0.25 inch.Īlthough subsoil and topsoil moisture status in crop ground is normal in many areas, the National Weather Service has forecast a 60 percent chance of drought in the Corn Belt. Before performing any tillage operations, producers should inspect the top 6 inches for soil moisture status. Many producers wonder how this spring's lack of rainfall will affect planting and seed germination.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |