Planting Success in Cool, Wet Soils

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Understanding the Issue

To germinate and emerge consistently, corn and soybeans need the right conditions. Adequate soil moisture and temperatures are always important for farmers to consider, but soil prepared under good working conditions to limit clodding, crusting and compaction is also essential. Early growth can also be enhanced by having readily available nutrients for the seed and early roots.

Cool, Wet Soil Injuries

Cool, wet soils don’t allow plants to get off to their best start. Corn with early damage from cold conditions can have an early deformation known as “corkscrewing,” where the mesocotyl, or the part of the plant that connects the seedling to the shoot, twists instead of growing straight. Seeds planted into cold and saturated soils — or seeds that see cold, rainy weather soon after planting — can experience imbibitional chilling injury. This is when a seed intakes frigid water as it takes up water for germination. This cold injury can lead to a reduced stand establishment and a lack of early-season vigor.

Cold, wet weather can also limit the plant’s ability to access certain nutrients. Cold conditions can restrict the movement of phosphorus and zinc in the soil — two nutrients essential for root development and early success. Plants experiencing this issue often show a purpling effect or bluish tint.

What Can You Do?

While farmers can’t control the weather, they can use the weather information they have to make the best planting decisions. Planting in soil temps at or greater than 50 degrees Fahrenheit and ensuring the soil has adequate moisture encourages consistent germination and emergence. Also, scheduling to avoid planting ahead of a cold snap can encourage plant success.

Aside from planting practices, farmers can also choose nutrient inputs that bridge the gap between what the seed contains to get the plant growing and what the soil has available. This means using a product that provides nutrients the plant needs for early growth — such as nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc and manganese — right on the seedcoat where the seedling can access it early, as soon as the seed begins germinating. Having those nutrients on the seed means that even in colder conditions where nutrients are limited, the seed can access the water and nutrients it needs to thrive. Applying these nutrients right where the germinating plant needs them aligns with the 4Rs of Nutrient Management — applying the right fertilizer source at the right rate, the right time and the right place.

PROTIVATE^TM Helps Farmers Plant Smarter

PROTIVATE^TM nutritional seed enhancer gives emerging plants critical nutrients for growth while replacing talc and graphite. PROTIVATE products contain nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc, manganese and molybdenum to help lead crops into faster germination and a more uniform emergence, bigger, stronger, faster growth, and higher yields. It’s success at every stage.

To learn more about PROTIVATE, visit ProtivateSeedNutrition.com or contact a local KAS sales representative.