News

Agronomist: Plant when the soil is ready

Recent moisture and more rain in the forecast has many Wisconsin farmers waiting to plant.

Arika Wech with Pioneer in Wisconsin says soil conditions have to be right before planting. “Obviously, a nice upcoming forecast doesn’t hurt either, but you absolutely want to make sure that soil is fit. If you have soil that is forming clumps or leaves stains on your hands, that soil is too wet to work or to plant without any type of compaction.”

Wech says there’s still three to four weeks of optimal planting time, so it’s okay to wait for the right soil conditions. “If you’re not going and you see the neighbors are planting, don’t feel like you’re behind. Don’t get worked up. Many can still get their crop in the ground with about five to six days of planter time with technology nowadays.”

Wech says with a warming and stable weather forecast and today’s genetics and seed treatments, it’s okay to plant into 45-degree soil but 50 degrees is better.