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Agronomist cautions farmers who might chase moisture by planting deeper this spring

Farmers concerned about dryness and drought might be tempted to plant a little deeper this spring.

But Tony Lenz, an agronomist with Stine Seed who covers Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Dakotas, says conditions at planting should determine seed depth.

“If we are (planting) into drier conditions, we want to get that seed down there. I still don’t like to bury seed in the spring, so I’d recommend two inches (or) maybe you’re going two and-a-half inches. And again, let’s just kind of make that decision when we’re really close to that planting date.”

He tells Brownfield even a half-inch adjustment can make a huge difference on corn and soybeans.

Lenz says the ideal planting depth for both is between one and-a-half to two inches.