Corn requires a soil temperature at or above 50° F to germinate. Snow and cold rain across areas of Nebraska are keeping soils too cool for planting. Soil temperatures across Nebraska averaged around 44.8° F for the second week of April. Planting should be delayed until soil and environmental conditions are ideal to help establish a successful stand.…
DetailsManagement practices can be implemented to help increase soybean yields and revenue. This includes cultural practices such as planting date, seeding rate, planting depth, and row width. Soil fertility, weed control, and the use of seed treatments are other practices that can help optimize soybean emergence and early growth. Spotlight: Optimizing Soybean Emergence and Early…
DetailsNematodes are microscopic, worm-like soil organisms. Certain species can be detrimental to the growth and development of corn as well as other crops. While nematodes have typically been of minor importance, they have received more attention in recent years. In the past, insecticides have provided control of key corn pests. Nematodes are now being viewed…
DetailsSoil analysis is a great tool to assess what soil amendments are needed for optimum plant function and yield potential. Soil test results list the soil test concentration for specific parameters along with an interpretation value (low, optimum, and high) and a recommendation This Spotlight will help explain the meaning of each soil test parameter,…
DetailsCover crops can offer environmental and economic benefits in sustainable agronomic systems. Understanding more about them and the tools that are available to aid in learning how to maximize their benefits can help the positive attributes be realized. Spotlight on Cover Crops
DetailsChallenging growing conditions during the 2012 growing season affected soybean seed size and appearance across much of the Midwest. However, seed appearance does not always equate to potential quality concerns. Seed that looks almost perfect can have poor germination rates while seed that appears flawed may actually be the best seed available. Growers should focus…
DetailsYield trial results offer an opportunity to compare corn and soybean products in a geography similar to one’s own farm and can assist growers in selecting quality products for next season. As yield results are examined this fall and winter, keep in mind the following… Interpreting Yield Results
Soybean harvest is underway in many regions and some farmers are reporting fields with symptoms of green stem syndrome. Green stem syndrome occurs when soybean pods and seeds mature but the stem remains green. When producers proceed to harvest according to seed moisture content, the green stems can make for a slow and difficult harvest. …
DetailsThe effect of late-season frost on a soybean crop depends upon the growth stage of the soybean plants. Yield losses due to frost are uncommon after soybeans have reached full maturity, the R8 growth stage. Temperatures that range from 30°F to 32°F can easily damage the top leaves on a soybean plant. When air temperatures…
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