Stark-Billings County

 

April 11, 2008

 

Dry Seedbeds Require Special Tactics, or Rain

This year many producers are facing dry surface conditions as they set about seeding their crops. Dealing with such conditions isn't easy.

Whether fields be dry or not, producers should stick as closely as possible to the recommended planting schedule for each crop. Late planting can sharply reduce yields of small grains, flax, corn, canola, dry peas and mustard, especially in a year when temperatures are above normal and spring planting operations ahead of normal.

Under dry seedbed conditions it is true that planting on schedule may result in uneven stands. But this is preferable to planting too late. If rains do come later, most seeds will still germinate if adequately protected with a seed treatment. Some soil crusting could present a problem if seeds are slow to germinate, so producers should be aware of this possibility."

To minimize dryness problems, tilling at a shallow depth and cutting down on seedbed operations before planting. Direct seeding or no-till maybe the best option this year. Its also suggested that postemergence herbicides be used rather than preplant soil-incorporated herbicides that can cause additional soil drying and may not be as effective in dry soil.

Here are 10 suggestions to minimize effects of planting into dry soils:

	Avoid excess tillage prior to planting. Each tillage operation causes soil moisture losses (1/3 to � inch).
	Use shallow tillage (3 inches or less) to destroy weeds and firm the seedbed.
	Avoid use of premerge soil-incorporated herbicides on crops where post emergence herbicides are available and economical to use.
	Plant small grains directly into standing sunflower stalks, corn stalks and canola stubble.
	Crops like corn, sunflower, field peas and dry edible beans can be planted deeper (2 to 3 inches maximum).Flax, mustard, canola, proso millet, or buckwheat which all should be 1 inch or less in planting depth. Intermediate planting depths of 1 to 2 inches is best for wheat, durum, barley, oats, and lentils.
	In general, large-seed-sized varieties of wheat or durum, oats and barley can be seeded slightly deeper than small-seed- sized varieties.
	Seed treatments on small grains should be uniformly applied at labeled rates to maximize seedling emergence. Over treatment on some seeds and little to none on others can cause erratic stands.
	If rains come after planting, watch for soil crusting. Break soil crusts with light harrowing or rotary hoe.
	Consider post plant applications of nitrogen in the form of urea if good moisture conditions develop later. Rain is usually required in 48 hours after application to reduce N losses due to volatilization.  Side dress N between the rows in corn and sunflower once the crop is established and has potential.
	If fairly good stands are established, but dry soil conditions continue, plan a good weed control program to help conserve soil moisture for crop growth and development.