Spring 2009 Soil Temps
Temperature taken at a 4 inch depth in No-till soybean stubble north of Beattie.

Damage from cold temperature stress adversely affects the germination of seeds and the growth of young seedlings causing seed rot and seedling blight. In addition to slowing the germination process, cold temperatures, especially if accompanied by precipitation may cause harm to the delicate structures of emerging corn seedlings. Cold water can cause similar injury to seedling structures as they emerge during germination. Such injury in corn seed ruptures cell membranes and delays seedling growth. When temperatures remain at, or below 50 degrees F after planting, damage to germinating seed can be severe. When this physiological damage is combined with surface soil crusting, saturated soil conditions, compacted soils, deep seed placement, and seedling blights, you may have widespread emergence problems.