The drought monitor, as of Tuesday, March 10, indicates no change with much of the southern third of the state, as far as Stafford and Reno counties here with it creeping into Barton County, in moderate drought or abnormally dry. Extreme Southeast Kansas is in severe drought. The six- to10-day forecast (March 16-20) indicates a 40 -60% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a 50 -60% of likely below normal for precipitation. The eight- to 14-day forecast (March 18-24) indicates a 70-90% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a 40 -50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation.
It’s hard to believe today is March 14. Summer crop planting season, starting with corn will soon be here in our area, especially with dryland corn. One concern now is that we in a dry period and it doesn’t look to ease over at least the next two weeks. At least many fields in our area have had some soil moisture recharge which helps a bit. The other consideration producers are concerned with is temperature. There are concerns regarding the frost free date and for more temperature sensitive crops like cotton, a “cold spell” that could shock and set the young plant back. For grass crops like corn with the growing point below the soil surface for around a month after planting, the plant can recover fairly easily in most cases. For a crop like soybeans with the growing point is above the soil at emergence, and with less cold tolerance, it’s more of a problem. However, it’s not just air temperature that matters but soil temperature.
• Any backyard gardener knows there are optimum temperatures, both low and high, when seeding crops. For example, potato planting and cool season crops like lettuce, spinach and peas. For example, a two inch soil temperature of at least 50 degrees at noon is acceptable for corn planting although warmer is better. Sorghum and other more tropical forage grasses prefer it warmer as do soybeans. So typically for corn, mid-April is a good planting date to aim for, but temperatures can move that either way. Going back a few decades before seed treatments for diseases and insects, it was risky planting early but today that seed can sit and still emerge. There’s not always any yield advantage for early planting.
• Remember that all things being equal, temperature has the greatest effect on the grown of plant life. Each plant has an optimum range, a stress zone above and below the optimum, and a high and low temperature above or below which annuals will typically die or be severely damaged. Adequate soil moisture helps but isn’t a cure all. And adequate soil temperature is critical for nutrient and water uptake.
• Plants, like most people, prefer a stable environment without large swings in conditions. While the above ground plant structures often experience the same swings in temperature we do, the soil environment is more stable, especially as you move deeper into the soil profile. The surface one or two inches do change more rapidly.
A good way to maintain a more stable soil temperature, and moisture, environment is crop residues and mulch on the soil surface. This may be a hindrance early in the season at planting but a great benefit during the heat of summer.
Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
