Planting Depth
Apr 07, 2021
As we move closer to spring, it is important to take some time to remember the impact of planting depth.
Here are a few tips and tricks to remember to control your seeding depth this spring:
As always, optimal corn seeding depth is 1.75” to 2.5” and never shallower than 1.5.” This spring is shaping up to be very dry, so planting deeper may be necessary and it is usually better to error too deep than too shallow. Keep in mind that field conditions change day to day and paying attention and adjusting depth can be a critical key to success.
Aim for 1” to 1.5” for soybeans and never deeper than 2” if you can help it. Any more than 2” can starve a soybean plant of carbohydrates before emergence.
Before heading to the field, check your planter. One tip is to lower the gauge wheel onto a block and measure the distance between the gauge wheel and furrow opener, or shoe. This is a quick way to make sure things are right before running into problems with emergence. It is important to check several if not all your row units due to differences in wear on your equipment.
Planting is the most important operation to final yield, so make sure you take the time to do it right!
Wade McGraw
Sales Agronomist
Doland, SD
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