(Le Mars) — The calendar says it is time for farmers to begin fieldwork, but are the conditions right for planting? Many farmers are wanting to start planting, but according to an Iowa State University crops specialist, farmers may want to wait at least another week, or until the weather and the soils begin to warm up. Joel DeJong says field conditions,including soil temperatures, are still a bit cool.
The soil temperature for northwest Iowa on Tuesday was listed at 42 to 46 degrees. DeJong says there were some farmers who had planted their corn by this time last year, and for some it worked out well, while others encountered some problems.
DeJong says although its suitable for planting corn, he says the ideal time isn’t for another week, and farmers don’t need to rush.
The Iowa State University Crops Specialist says sometimes if farmers till their ground during wet conditions, it could lead to soil compaction, and reduced yields.
