Production Blog

DECATUR, Ill. (DTN) -- I smelled the start of the 2013 planting season. Anyone who has ever stirred the earth knows the sensation. It is a sweet scent filled with promise. For a brief moment each spring, it cancels memories of drought, flood and pestilence and fills us with the knowledge that this could be the year things go right.

Last Friday, it hit me just east of St. Joseph, Mo., as I found tractors rolling across the landscape. It's true that on the same day a year ago, I was photographing corn in central Illinois in the V3 growth stage. Those memories of an early start to planting have many concerned that we're running late.

The truth is we're running normal by calendar date. A look at USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) numbers in 2009 -- the year we produced a record 13.1 billion bushel crop -- shows Illinois farmers typically began planting on April 14 and the most active planting dates ranged from April 21 to May 23. Missouri farmers on average started planting on April 3 and were most active from April 11 to May 27. South Dakota farmers didn't kick it into gear until April 26 and the usual planting dates ranged from May 2 to May 27.

If you want some reassurance that you're not late to the game, check out individual state numbers here: http://bit.ly/…. As of April 8, 2013, NASS numbers show states such as Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee with 0% to 10% planted with the acreage planted increasing as you travel south. Louisiana is mostly done, while states like Georgia and Florida lag planting trends.

The big concern right now is soil temperatures. The old rule of thumb for planting corn is to wait until soil temperatures reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit. According to a news release written by Roger Elmore, Iowa State University agronomist, seed absorbs about 30% of its weight in water and temperature does not affect that process. However, temperature does affect growth of both the radicle (first root) and coleoptile (shoot). With soil temperatures below 50 degrees, seeds readily absorb water but do not initiate root or shoot growth. This opens up opportunities for insects and pathogens to attack seeds resulting in poor emergence especially if poor seedbed conditions are prolonged.

As of this morning, soil temperatures at the 4-inch depth beneath bare soil were near 59 degrees in my home area of Decatur, Ill. (http://bit.ly/…). However, forecasts were also for temperatures to drop. Most farmers in this part of central Illinois tell me they are willing to trade a delay in planting for some much needed rain. Our subsoil moistures in this area remain short.

According to Bryce Anderson, DTN's senior ag meteorologist, field work and the potential for such activity remains highly variable this spring. "For example, North Dakota usually starts corn planting April 26. Considering the cold trend along with snow cover in the Red River Valley, I think it's highly doubtful they will get started then," Anderson said. "Minnesota starts April 22 usually, but will likely be later because of wet and cold conditions as well.

"Illinois has just started with a few planters rolling, which looks to be farther behind than two years ago when 4% was planted by April 10. Across the U.S., 3% of the corn was planted by this time two years ago. In general, 50% of the corn should be planted during the 1st week in May. If not, then you could say that planting is late," he added.

The good news is we are at a point in the calendar when soil temperatures usually begin to warm up. The closer we get to that May 1 date, the less soil temperatures matter. From here on out, planters will likely roll when soil conditions allow it.

Still, it's important to understand what DuPont Pioneer pointed out in a news release Wednesday. Planting date is one of the most important factors in stand establishment. The likelihood of reduced stands is greatest when planting in to cold, wet soils or directly before cold, wet weather is expected. To help mitigate risk, Pioneer agronomists suggest the following tips:

-- If a cold spell is expected around planting time, it is advisable to stop planting one or two days in advance. Allow seed to begin hydration in warmer soils in order to minimize damage due to cold imbibition.

-- In sandy fields, be aware that low nighttime temperatures can dip soil temperatures below advisable planting levels. Large temperature swings in lighter soils can also hurt emergence.

-- If planting in fields with high amounts of residue, consider strip-tillage or use a row cleaner to allow soils to warm up faster.

-- Selecting hybrids with higher stress emergence scores and the right seed treatment can help reduce the risks associated with planting in cold-stress conditions.

For more information on cool spring planting starts:

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/…

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/…

https://www.pioneer.com/…

Pamela Smith can be contacted at Pamela.Smith@telventdtn.com

(AG)

© Copyright 2013 DTN/The Progressive Farmer. All rights reserved.