Mudding Seed In is Still Not a Planting Option! EVER!
There are three indicators of when to start planting your crop: the calendar, soil temperature, and soil moisture.
This year, the calendar is already out the window. And since it is the first week of May and we are looking at a forecast of mostly 60-degree days ahead, let’s throw the thermometer out the window along with it!
WHAT?!?
Most people would not expect that comment.
What I’m saying is, with the forecast looking “ok’ish,” it really is “Go-Time” to put the pedal to the metal and start planting. But if – and only if – soil moisture is also favorable. With over 14 hours of sunshine and mid-May temperatures averaging 70 degrees, the soil temperatures will follow.
Soil moisture is just as crucial in May as it was in April. Don’t mud the crop in, as that is always a recipe for disaster.
Take a look at the following indicators before getting started. All of these are much more important to your crop’s success than the number on the calendar.
- Sidewall Compaction
- Dry Pocket
- Seed-to-soil contact
- Nutrient uptake
- Small roots
- Increased disease pressure
- Late-season health and intactness
I’ve been in many fields where the grower was trying to finish planting the final few acres in a pouring rain. These are always the lowest-yielding parts of the field, regardless of whether the soil type was sand or gumbo.
I know we’re all going stir-crazy looking out the window and waiting to plant, but now is not the time to get in a hurry. Stick with your original plan, staying with maturities until at least May 20. Even with more rain in the forecast, a 10% yield hit planting on May 20 is far better than a 50% hit by planting in saturated soil on May 9.
Remember – mud always equals low yields.
