Planting Pointers
Don't fall for the three tillage temptations
A Purdue Extension agronomist is urging corn farmers not to let planting anxiety drive them to fall for three common tillage temptations: too early, too wet, and too often.
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Preparation, double-checking are key to spring planting safety
The sun is shining and soil temperatures are rising, but a Purdue Extension agricultural safety specialist says farmers shouldn't let their enthusiasm for spring planting lead to injuries.
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Soil temp, field conditions outweigh calendar date
It is generally recommended to plant when soil temperatures are at or above 50 degrees and the near-term forecast shows a warming trend. Planting into cold, wet soils inflicts stress on corn seed emergence, as does planting just ahead of a cold spell.
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Corn seeding rate among growers’ tough decisions
As planting season approaches for the eastern Corn Belt, corn growers will be making a series of important decisions, including how many seeds to plant per acre for the best potential yield.
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Soil testing for K
With spring's arrival, it is a good time to address some questions about soil testing, particularly the differences between "field moist" soil testing and standard air drying of samples that are run through soil testing labs.
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Corn growers: Assess wireworm risk prior to planting
Corn growers need to scout their fields to determine wireworm populations before planting so they don't miss the optimum treatment window, a Purdue Extension entomologist says.
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New silage production reference manual
The manual contains information about several aspects of silage production, including planting, growing, harvesting, storing and feeding.
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Prevent sidewall compaction this spring
Sidewall compaction in wet soils can be a problem, especially if the crop is “mudded-in” and a dry spell occurs after planting.
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BMR dwarf forage sorghum: What's the buzz?
While there appears to be justification for BMR dwarf forage sorghum use in dairy forage systems, remember to consider it as part of an overall forage management strategy.
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Strip-till systems provide key benefits for corn
Evidence has shown that strip-till systems combine many of the best aspects of no-till and conventional tillage systems.
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Achieve optimum planting depth this spring
When it comes to planting corn, how deep is deep enough and how shallow is too shallow? Researchers share how corn development is affected at different planting depths.
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