The Agronology 10 Research plots for both corn and soybeans were planted on 24-25 April 2012. The surface soils were very dry and extremely friable. Soil temperatures in the mornings were 50° F and 55° F at 4 inch depth during this planting period. The plots received a total of 1.9 inches of rainfall Saturday and Sunday (28-29 April).
Presently, I have two concerns. My first concern is that the rains could cause the soils to become crusted. If the soil crusting is severe, then rotary-hoe to break up the crust, so germination is not negatively affected. A second concern is the growth stage of the giant ragweeds where “pre” has not been applied to the stale seed bed. Either a tillage operation is needed or a burn down herbicide plus a residual needs to be applied prior to planting.
