As snow melts, many soils quickly become saturated and have a weakened structure. Working the soil when it’s too wet can ruin the good soil structure you’ve worked hard to build. Delay field work until the optimum time.
Despite the late start that many farmers will get this year, it is vital to delay tillage, manure applications, spraying, fertilizing and planting until the optimum time. Be patient. Wait until your soils are ready. It’s not a race but you can give your crop a “head start” by getting everything right at the beginning.
Here’s why you should wait…. – As snow melts, many soils quickly become saturated and have a weakened structure. Nearly every soil type is prone to compaction and erosion this time of the year. Any areas that are already compacted will drain even slower. Remember back to 2017 harvest conditions and consider if that may have created problem areas in your fields. Watch those areas this spring. It is much easier to prevent further compaction than it is to fix it.
As soils become less saturated, the microbial life, bacteria, fungi, cover crop roots and other soil life help to stabilize soil particles and aggregates (clumps) below the surface, reducing compaction and allowing infiltration. But as long as the soil is cold these microbes and plants are not yet actively growing or using nutrients, so soil nitrate is prone to leaching as the soil drains.
While the field work can begin when the fields are dry enough, wait until the soil is 50 degrees before planting. Planting too early will delay germination and result in uneven stands. It’s better to give the plants optimum conditions than to rush things and reduce yield potential.
So, even if your neighbor is out in the field, wait until your soils are ready. Take it field by field. When determining soil moisture levels by hand, pick an area and soil type that is representative of the entire field. Take a handful of soil from the top 6 inches and gently squeeze it into a ball in your hand. If the soil forms a ball that breaks easily with a little pressure the soil is ready to work. Your seed bed is ready for planting when the moisture is right and there are stable soil temperatures for 4-5 days.
Consider using the pre-plant soil nitrate test (PPNT), the pre-side dress nitrate test (PSNT), or the late spring nitrate test (LSNT) after planting, to check on the status of nitrogen in each field as you may have lost some nitrogen due to the prolonged wet spring. Plan to side dress any needed nutrients that may be needed.
Good soil structure helps to retain plant available water for longer periods between rains come summer time. So, for the long run, consider ways to increase organic matter in the soil and build soil health.
Key Take Home Tips for Successful Crop This Year:
• Wait to prepare the seedbed and plant when YOUR soil is ready.
• Plan to monitor and maintain adequate fertility at key developmental stages for your crop. If you had to cut some fertilizer this year, check on crops early with plant tissue samples.
• Reduce plant stress with timely use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to control of insects, weeds and disease.
• Consider the future with an investment in soil health.
This article was written by Chris Clark, CCA, AgSource Laboratories’ Sales Representative for Wisconsin.
Source: Morning Ag Clips