Don't plant wet . . but do put beans in early . . . and other planting advice

Every spring, mass anxiety spreads across the countryside as farmers worry that they are not getting the crop in the ground soon enough.

A team of agronomists at the University of Nebraska, which includes Jenny Rees, Roger Elmore, Jim Specht, and Megan Taylor, offers the following guidelines – as well as reassurances – about planting timing, depth, and rates.

That team's No. 1 rule is don't plant fields that are wet. The yield losses that occur from working wet fields often more than offset any possible yield gain from planting early.

Plant soybeans early

When it comes to corn planting, be reassured that "not every year will the optimal planting date for corn be in April," points out Jenny Rees of the University of Nebraska. "In 2019, some growers commented that late May- to early June-planted corn was some of their best yielding due to the strange weather conditions."

Yet, when it comes to soybean planting dates, be warned that planting beans early is critical to maximizing yield, says Roger Elmore of the University of Nebraska. Elmore's field research in this area blazed the trail for early soybean planting dates.

However, that rule has its limits. For example, you want to avoid planting soybeans when a cold rain and cold snap is expected within 24 hours (safer within 48 hours). Cold rain can increase the uptake of cold water into the soybean seed causing chilling injury. Instead, consider planting soybeans in the warmer part of the day or when air temperatures are generally warming. For more information on early planting of soybeans, go to:

https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2020/understanding-soybean-germination-process-early-planted-soybean-decisions

Planting depth

Aim to get both corn and soybeans in the ground 1½ to 2 inches deep. This keeps corn and soybean seed in even soil temperature and moisture conditions.

For corn, proper depth is critical for root establishment and avoiding rootless corn syndrome in which the nodal (crown roots) don't get well established, warns Megan Taylor. "Thus, avoid planting shallow into wet soils," she adds.

While soybeans are more forgiving on planting depth, Nebraska research found the highest soybean yields were gained by planting 1¾ inches deep.

Seeding rates

When it comes to seeding rates, field research confirms that corn yields increase with increasing corn populations.

Yet, there is a "but" to that rule.

Corn yields are hybrid dependent. So the University of Nebraska planting team recommends that you ask your seed dealer about rates.

When it comes to beans, numerous studies have shown that seeding rates can be cut without significantly affecting yields, points out Jim Specht. "Our recommendation based on the research is to plant 120,000 seeds per acre, and aim for a final plant stand of 100,000 plants per acre," Specht points out. "Reducing rates from 150,000 down to 120,000 can save a grower $10 per acre, depending on seed costs."