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Combating cool, wet weather during planting

An agronomist says seed treatments are especially important when planting soybeans early or in cooler soils.

Technical agronomist Jason Fettig with Dekalb/Asgrow tells Brownfield it could be another week or two before farmers in Michigan can begin field work.  “When soil conditions get to that 55 degree level, we’ll be out there in the field.  It very possibly could be mid to late April.”

Fettig says it takes longer for seeds to germinate in cooler soils, making them more susceptible to disease pressures. He says seed treatments can help protect the crop, allowing for more even stands and higher yields.

He says as temperatures warm up, herbicide resistant weeds are starting to develop and a burndown program will be important to better control weeds.

Fettig also recommends farmers do a planter inspection before they get into the field to make sure the planter is level and equipment is working properly.