Managing High-Residue and Soil Conditions this Spring
Planting conditions influence seedling emergence and corn growth throughout the season. Soil moisture, temperature, and structure, as well as residue cover are factors to be weighed against planting date. Last year’s compaction and dense layers created within the soil cannot be corrected when soils are wet, and tillage implements and planters should be operated on dry ground to avoid compounding such problems. The way heavy residue is managed in high-yielding, corn on corn systems depends on soil conditions and available equipment.