Indiana Soils Warming Fast, but Too Wet to Plant

martin spring wrap

Ryan Martin
Ryan Martin

A warmer than average March has warmed Indiana soils to the point where planting could begin. However, April showers will likely keep planters from rolling anytime soon. According to Hoosier Ag Today Chief meteorologist Ryan Martin spring is in the air with trees blooming and soils warming up nicely, “At the 4 inch depth, we should see soil temps reaching 50 degrees in southern Indiana by this weekend. This would include about everything south of I-70. Above that, we should remain in the mid to upper 40 degree range.” Martin says soil moisture is another issue, “We have a system moving in later this week, another early next week, and yet a third about the beginning of April.”  He said these systems will produce a good deal of moisture and could drop several inches on the Hoosier state over the next two weeks.

The last week in March and the first two weeks in April will see cooler temperatures along with heavy rains that will keep field work to a minimum. Martin states, “March was above normal in temperatures, but I feel we will see April closer to normal.” He said the cooler temps will not hurt the soil temperature as much as they will slow drying, “We will not see rapid drying of the soils which means planting may be slow to start in some areas.”  Martin notes that some market commentators are already trying to make a case for delayed planting,  but says it is too early to consider that as a real market factor.

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