Preparing for seeding can feel especially challenging when conditions are unpredictable, but taking time now to get organized can make the season’s fast pace much easier to manage.
From assessing equipment needs and reviewing fertility plans to understanding current field conditions and considering target plant populations, early preparation helps lay a solid foundation for a strong start once seeding begins.
Machinery prep
With warming temperatures in the forecast, now is a good time to prepare the drill. The basics of checking for worn openers, looking at hoses for cracks and wear, and checking over seals can take away a lot of the stress that comes with seeding. Now is also a great time to check how level your drill is to ensure uniform seeding depth is achieved from end to end. Your shallow seeding crops will appreciate this check.
Field preparation
An open fall in most areas allowed for field preparation and the management of residue. Ensure your fields are ready to go this spring but make sure that residue was spread evenly. Keep an eye out for those early season weeds that aim to steal moisture and nutrients ahead of the crop and be actively scouting to see if a pre-emergent herbicide application is required. Bare fields with warming temperatures and adequate moisture will have weeds jumping out in front of the crop.
Nutrient planning
Developing a fertilizer plan for your farm is never a straightforward task. There’s a lot to take into account when planning, so where do you start?
A good starting place is reviewing last year’s fertilizer rates, crop yields and target yields. Knowing that information will help you to assess what worked, what didn’t and why things went the way they did, giving you a start on what to do (or not do) again.
Another key piece to solving this agronomic puzzle is soil testing. Review your fall soil tests and look at future crop sequences. For canola specifically, it’s important to ensure the macronutrients required to achieve your target yield are made available for your upcoming crop.
Once those are in balance, you can start determining what you’ll need based on the previous information. Adequate precipitation can suppress the effects of both high and low fertilizer amounts as it’s the most critical input of them all.
Experienced Certified Crop Advisors working at your local retailer or working independently can be excellent sources of advice when it comes to determining appropriate fertilizer rates.
Optimal plant populations
Once your seed is delivered, looking at the thousand seed weight (TSW) will help determine seeding rates to help achieve your target plant population. Knowing your farm’s historical seed survivability and analyzing the spring weather conditions will also impact the rates required to achieve a uniform plant stand.
- Canola target population: 5 to 8 plants per square foot (217,800 to 348,500 plants per acre). Canola Calculator and Canola Counts
- Soybean target population: 3.2 to 3.7 plants per square foot (140,000, 160,000 plants per acre).
- Silage corn target population: 0.7 to 0.8 plants per square foot (32,000 to 34,000 plants per acre).
- Alfalfa target population: 25 to 40 plants per square foot on seeding year (1,089,000 to 1,742,000 per acre).
This time of year can cause a lot of stress for growers. Though you may feel alone in your anxiety, know you aren’t the only one fighting this battle right now. Managing your mental health by talking about it with others is one of the best ways to feel better, checking on others and having them check on you can make all the difference.
FAQ
What are the key steps for preparing machinery before seeding?
Key steps include checking for worn openers, examining hoses for cracks and wear, inspecting seals and ensuring the drill is level to achieve uniform seeding depth.
Why is field preparation important before seeding?
Field preparation ensures residue is spread evenly and reduces early season weeds that compete for moisture and nutrients, setting up the field for successful spring planting.
How should nutrient planning begin for the upcoming season?
Nutrient planning should start by reviewing last year’s fertilizer rates, crop yields and target yields combined with soil test results and consideration of crop sequence.
What plant populations are recommended for different crops?
For canola, aim for 5 to 8 plants per square foot, for soybean 3.2 to 3.7, for silage corn 0.7 to 0.8, and for alfalfa 25 to 40 plants per square foot during the seeding year.
How can growers manage the stress that comes with this time of year?
Growers are encouraged to talk about their stress with others, check in on fellow growers and seek support for mental health.
