Managing Cold, Wet Soils
April 29, 2009
The key to success this unusual spring is patience.
We are dealing with the results of an unusually wet fall and winter. Last fall many growers struggled to finish getting the crop harvested and out of the fields. Some have been combining their remaining corn yet this spring. The soils are saturated and many fields have lots of crop residue. This poses several challenges to manage.
The residue covers the wet ground and shields it from the sun. The shading effect slows the natural spring warm up and keeps the soil cool. The difference between bare ground and covered ground can be as much as 10ºF according to actual data this spring from NDAWN (http://ndawn.ndsu.nodak.edu/index.html). Since wet soils take longer to warm up than drier soils, the extra residue tends to add concern for getting into the fields soon enough.
However rushing fieldwork isn’t the solution. Soil compaction can occur from the tractor and from the tillage implement or planter. Large packed soil clods form a very poor seedbed. Sidewall compaction that can occur would restrict root development. So don’t rush into the field if it’s still too wet! Let the soil warm up and let it dry.
One option that I’ve seen in action this spring is to burn the residue, which reduces the residue and allows more sunlight and wind to hit the soil. Be sure to contact your local authorities if you choose to burn your residue because a permit may be required.
If tillage is planned, keep it shallow. Don’t worry about breaking up the hard pan because our long cold winter; plenty of moisture; and freeze/thaw cycles do that job for us pretty well. Your spring tillage should focus on breaking up a surface crust and preparing a good seedbed.
Growers who practice no-till farming already understand the extra time needed for warming the soil. Yet it still works out since no time is required prior to planting. Even growers who don’t usually no-till may want to try it this year with lighter to medium soils. Heavy soils generally don’t work so well with no-till. Also, check with your implement dealer and make sure you have the right equipment.
Remember patience is the key. Wait for the field to be ready then hit it hard.