Is soil temperature an issue when planting corn?
Corn germination and growth doesn’t begin until soil temperatures reach 50 degrees F. For this reason, many producers won’t begin planting until they are absolutely positive soil temperatures reach and stay at this level. For ultra early corn planting dates, this is probably a good rule to follow. However, we have reached the point in 2001 when soil temperature should have NO bearing on the decision to plant corn. Soil temperature will now mirror air temperatures on a daily basis. IF soil conditions are good for planting, don’t hesitate to begin planting corn (even if actual temperatures are below average) if you have large acreages to get planted. Target May 10 – 15 as dates to be done with corn planting. After this, the proverbial yield penalty for late planting begins on full-season hybrids. It takes about 125 Growing Degree Units (GDU’s) from planting to emergence.
