Kansas State University researchers factor weather forecasts in planning corn seeding rates
Manhattan, Kansas, USA
April 25, 2022
In this video from K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University agronomists explain the value of including weather forecasts and other potential future scenarios in deciding the optimum corn seeding rate this year.
K-State cropping systems specialist Ignacio Ciampitti said most soils across Kansas are dry, with below-average precipitation and above-average temperatures in the forecast.
“That is a very good indicator that farmers should reduce their seeding rate, probably about 5,000 seeds per acre,” said Josefina Lacasa, a doctoral student in K-State’s Department of Agronomy.
Ciampitti noted that K-State researchers have been using past and current data, as well as future scenarios – including water supply, precipitation and temperature – in recent studies of corn seeding rates.
“When you are thinking about deciding inputs on your farm, think about these factors,” he said. “Think about the fact that we are already starting quite dry in many soils across the state and we are forecasting conditions that will be dry and hot.
“So playing conservative and looking at your inputs – seeding rates and nitrogen fertilizer – can be one of the big decisions for many farmers.”
K-State Research and Extension video produced by Dan Donnert
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