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Planting when conditions are right

An extension corn specialist says there’s no need to begin planting if conditions aren’t right.

Jeff Coulter with the University of Minnesota tells Brownfield moisture profiles vary across the state, and farmers should avoid fields that are wet.

“So that we’re not creating a compacted zone right below our pre-plant tillage.  In addition, we need to be careful about the sidewall compaction that can occur on some of these fine-textured soils when they’re a little on the wet side.”

He says soil temperatures are no longer a concern in Minnesota.

“We’ve got sufficient temperatures for germination coming.  The soil temps are either at or above 50 in most cases now, and if not will be there soon.”

Temperatures in Minnesota are expected to be in the 60’s and 70’s through next week with limited chances for rain.