Published on Wednesday, June 30, 2021
The following aspects of “planting” will help to mitigate cold and saturated soils following planting:
Corn and soybean stand establishment are both dependent on successful germination and emergence and interaction of three key independent factors – environment, genetics, and seed quality as described in Figure 2. Each factor can influence the net stand established. When two or more factors are adverse or stressful, stand establishment will often be less than acceptable. Nebraska Extension provides an in-depth discussion on Factors Influencing Cold Stress in Corn and Soybean1.
Genetically, there are emergence differences amongst corn hybrids and soybean varieties, and they are rated accordingly. Figure 1. depicts a found field difference. Seed size and shape (grade size in corn) are not correlated to germination, vigor, or yield. Please reference Beck’s Agronomy Brief, Seed Size, and Crop Establishment2, for a complete review of this topic.
From a seed quality perspective, both seed corn and soybeans, respectively, are tested for their warm germination on a percentage basis – required by Federal Seed Labeling laws. In addition, seed corn may also undergo a Cold Germination test and, potentially, a Saturated Cold Test. These tests are intended to analyze seed quality characteristics and do not speak to genetics nor environmental factors. In Beck’s Agronomy Brief, Planting Into Cold Soils3, there is a description of the germination process.
Key conditions for the germination process include:
Under both cold and saturated seedbed conditions, not only is the germination > emergence process thwarted because of lack of growth-inducing temperatures (accumulating GDU’s) but, saturated soils deprive the seed of oxygen. The lack of oxygen will delay both germination and emergence and put the seeds at risk of rotting.
In Figure 3., this seed corn was subject to both prolonged cold (<45°F) and saturated soil conditions. The prolonged germination > emergence process (> 25 days) negated the value of fungicide seed treatments. In this case, Pythium infected the seedling roots and the coleoptile prior to emergence.
In Figure 4., several seeds [from the same field as Figure 3.] were found to have insect (wireworm) damage in addition to seedling diseases. Ultimately, the severely delayed germination > emergence process prolonged seed respiration [CO2 attracts insects] and resulted in a weak seedling and dilution of the protectant seed insecticide.
A delayed germination > emergence not only increases the exposure of the seed and young seedlings to soil-borne insects and diseases but surface crusting of a saturated seedbed, seen in Figure 5. Slow germination and mesocotyl elongation increase the risk of underground leafing out due to soil crusting, seen in Figure 6. Until nodal roots develop, corn seedlings are extremely vulnerable to saturated soils and continued seed or mesocotyl damage from disease pathogens and soil-borne insects. Although seedbed conditions can become cold and/or saturated after planting, avoiding planting into these soil conditions has been proven to be more important toward a successful stand.
In soybeans, a cold, saturated seedbed tends to be just as detrimental following germination. Where the plant needs to establish a radical root and elongation of the hypocotyl must occur to bring the photosynthesizing cotyledons above the soil surface. In Figures 7. and 8., these soybean seeds experienced cold, saturated soil conditions. In both cases, the seed imbibition process began, but radicle root development was impeded by low temps and lack of oxygen. Malformed growth and poor emergence resulted.
As Mother Nature has the final say on growing conditions following planting, attention to the management of the planting action must occur. Pre-plant tillage and planting operations are the most critical actions that dictate the development of the crop for the rest of the year. Manage to get the most out of the genetic potential in every seed.
Author: Mike Blaine
Categories: Agronomy, Agronomy Talk
Tags: