After weeks of cold and wet conditions, sunny skies and mild temperatures gave some growers a chance to get into the fields. Dan Emmert, agronomist wit DuPont Pioneer in SW Indiana, says fields are beginning to dry out, “Soil temperatures are moving above 60 degrees, but the real issue is how quickly these fields will dry out.”
He told HAT for many growers there is still work to be done before planting can begin, “There are many fields where anhydrous still needs to be applied and windy conditions have prevented some burndown spraying. We also have some cover crops that are getting rather tall and need to be controlled.” He added that a lot of those activities would be taking place over the next few days as long as the rain stays away. Emmert says in Knox Country there was seed going into the ground this weekend, ”On some of the sandy soil near Vincennes, there is planting taking place.”
He warned growers not to open a field too early and risk soil compaction, but also not to wait too long, “The next few weeks are the ideal time to get corn planted in Indiana.” Listen to the complete update from Dan Emmert with DuPont Pioneer at our web site and mobile app.
Hoosier Ag Today Meteorologist Ryan Martin says the window of dry conditions will hold until later in the week, “As cooler air pushes in from the north, we look for scattered showers to come in overnight next Thursday night and Friday. We are looking for preliminary precipitation totals to be in the .05”-.2” range with coverage at 50% of the state or less. The moisture does not look substantial, and even the hardest hit areas will be able to dry down and get back at it in a day or two. The bigger story for late next week will be cooler air pushing in. Temps may pull back closer to normal….which still isn’t bad.”
Martin added that the extended period shows more activity late in the month, “We see a strong front for the 27th that can bring .50″ to 1″ rains, and then another system coming together for the 29th through the 1st that can trigger .25”-1” rains. The extended period will see rain coverage at nearly 100% of the state. So, take advantage of the dry window here in the short term.”
