Use These Soil Temp, Forecast Tools to Determine Ideal Planting Conditions

My biggest tip for corn growers concerning corn planting date: use the NDAWN website to monitor soil temperatures in the weeks leading up to planting and shortly after.

With so many locations monitoring soil temperatures 24/7, it is the perfect tool to use while sitting at home. NDAWN has locations throughout North Dakota and an increasing number in west-central and northwest Minnesota. Odds are good that a sensor is taking readings close to your farm.

Most locations have soil temperatures at 2”, 4”, 8”, 20” and 40”. By monitoring 4” and 8” temperatures daily, we can easily see when conditions will be ready. Corn needs soil temperatures of about 50 degrees to germinate. 

The combination of soil temperature measurement  and using the 6-10 and 8-14 day forecasts from NOAA are the best tools a farmer has for deciding when to start planting.

If you have questions on these or other resources, contact me.