Cold Saturated Soil Effects on Corn Germination and Emergence

Plant-to-plant variability is common in fields that experience unfavorable conditions during emergence.

Corn planted this season could be exposed to cold temperatures and saturated soils. Soil that is saturated and cold can have a negative impact on corn germination and emergence. In addition, cold, saturated soils can cause other problems including surface soil crusting, compacted soils, and seedling diseases. If all of these factors occur, extensive emergence problems may take place. It is important to understand the impact of adverse environmental conditions on germination and emergence to help assess potential damage to corn. However, it is important to wait until the corn stand emerges and carefully evaluate before taking any action in planted corn fields.

Agronomic Alert – Cold Saturated Soil Effects on Corn Germination and Emergence

Soil Testing

Whether it is with site specific grid sampling, or more traditional methods, soil testing is the most useful means of determining what inventories of nutrients are available for crop production. In a period of rising fertilizer prices, soil testing allows a grower to prioritize fertilizer applications, and focus on inputs that will provide the greatest return in crop production.  AGRONOMIC Spotlight – Soil Testing

Reducing Soil Compaction This Spring

Roots affected by compaction.

Soil compaction can be a serious concern in moist soils, especially this spring when getting ready to start fieldwork. Compaction has become a problem in recent years due to an increase of field equipment size and weight. Damage to soil structure occurs when working too moist of soil. Compaction can negatively impact plant growth and development, and may ultimately reduce yield potential. Reducing the potential for compaction this spring can help avoid/prevent the negative impact of soil compaction on crops during the growing season.

AGRONOMIC Spotlight – Reducing Soil Compaction This Spring

Understanding Corn Test Weight

Test weight is a term that is often misunderstood. Confusion arises from the belief there is an economic benefit to high test weight grain and that high test weights contribute to yield. In reality neither of these perceptions is true.

Agronomic Spotlight – Understanding Corn Test Weight

Tillers in Corn Separate the Fact from Fiction

Tillers are vegetative or reproductive shoots that grow from the base of grass plants. Corn is a highly specialized grass plant. While tillers are an essential part of wheat, barley, and oat production, they are perceived to be far less desirable in corn. They are commonly referred to as “suckers,” because of the old wives tale that they “suck” the nutrients from the main stem. Research from the University of Illinois has shown that this is not the case. Many agronomists agree that the overall effect of tillers is usually neutral.  There may be some benefit to tillers if corn is produced for silage because more dry matter is produced per unit area.  Agronomic Spotlight – Tillers in Corn Separate the Fact from Fiction