Corn growers are eager to kick off the 2021 crop season. This winter has been very wet causing producers to fall behind on field preparation and pre-plant burndowns. The weather forecast for the next 5-6 days is promising with sunshine and warmer temperatures, which will allow for some equipment to enter the field and possibly a few corn planters. If you are thinking about planting corn make sure to check the soil temperatures before planting, and be mindful that a drop in air temperature for a few days following planting or a large rain event could cause soils to cool back down even if they are appropriate at the time of planting. Waiting until soil temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees is good way to ensure optimal germination for a uniform stand.
“Avoid planting when soil temperatures drop below 55 degrees F as this will have detrimental effects on seed germination. Variable seed emergence can reduce yields as much as 10-20% depending on the length of delay. Generally, the greatest yields are achieved in fields where all plants have emerged within 12-24 hours of one another.
At planting soil temperatures at the 2-inch depth should be at or exceed 55 degrees F. Germination progresses slowly at temperatures between 55 and 60 degrees F and emergence will take between 7– 12 days. Conversely, germination will progress rapidly when corn is planted in soil temperatures greater than 60 degrees F and emergence will be prompt. If your 2-inch soil temperature is 55 degrees F or above but your forecasted weather could drop soil temperatures below this threshold then planting should be delayed until warmer temperatures return. Pushing planting dates as early as possible also increases the risk of frost or freeze damage to emerged corn. Typically, corn can withstand severe frost or freeze damage without yield loss so long as the growing point is below the soil surface. Optimum planting windows will vary based upon your location in Georgia.” UGA Corn Production Guide 2021
UGA Corn Production Guide 2021
UGA Weather Network Glennville Station Soil Temperatures
The Evans County Extension Office would like to give a special thanks to the hard work done by Tattnall County ANR Agent, Aubrey Shirley, for getting a new weather station set up in Glennville.
