MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (04/27/2023) — As Minnesota farmers prepare to head into their fields and begin planting crops this spring, some are concerned about a late start due to soil temperatures and moisture conditions.
Jeffrey Strock, a professor at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center in Lamberton, Minnesota, provides expert commentary on what Minnesota farmers can expect this spring.
Jeffrey Strock, Ph.D.
“The ground was still frozen during the spring warm up so not a lot of the moisture available from the snow made it into the soil. Although there was a lot of snow this winter, not all of the melted water associated with the snow seeps into the soil. Some evaporates and some runs off. It will be very important to receive rain this spring in order to recharge the soil profile for the 2023 growing season.
With the exception of one week during April, air temperatures have been on the cool side, not unlike 2022 when we had a cool wet start to spring. Soil temperatures have been in the low 40s, which is too cold for planting. With warmer temperatures, the soil will warm rapidly.
It seems like we will have a near repeat of conditions from 2022 for the early part of the 2023 growing season. Farmers will likely start planting in early May. Fortunately, most farmers can get their crops planted quickly these days.”
Jeffrey Strock is a professor in the Department of Soil, Water & Climate and works at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center. His areas of interest include soil hydrology, water quality and fertility. His research and outreach activities focus on soil hydrology, agricultural drainage and nutrient management in agricultural systems.
About the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
The University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) strives to inspire minds, nourish people, and sustainably enhance the natural environment. CFANS has a legacy of innovation, bringing discoveries to life through science and educating the next generation of leaders. Every day, students, faculty, and researchers use science to address the grand challenges of the world today and in the future. CFANS offers an unparalleled expanse of experiential learning opportunities for students and the community, with 12 academic departments, 10 research and outreach centers across the state, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum of Natural History, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers.
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