Planting Concerns

Below are some recommendations from Scott Monfort (UGA Peanut Agronomist):

Soil temps around the state are in the high 60’s to high 70’s. The soil should be buffered from a few hours of cold temperatures during the night time as long as we are warming back in the high 70’s to mid-80’s during the day. The low 70’s daytime and 50’s night time temperatures for more than 1 to 2 days will drive the soil temps down. With this in mind, I would consider not planting until this cold front has passed.

However, I know some growers need to continue planting so please consider the following:

1. If you are dryland and you are afraid of losing needed moisture then I would go ahead and plant.
2. If you are irrigated, you could hold off until cold front moves out.
3. If you have questionable seed quality, I would wait to plant until it warms up.
4. Soil temperatures can be different across the state. (check your county weather stations)
   1. The eastern part of the state will be at more risk than the Southwest part of state.
   2. Freshly turned soil will be colder than normal – let field sit for a day or so to warm up
   3. For strip tillage fields with cover, soils are typically colder than conventional tillage fields so you may want to allow extra time for soils to warm up.
5. What if I have a lot of acres and need to keep planting or I just want to keep planting?
   1. Make sure you are planting with good quality seed
   2. Add appropriate in furrow fungicide to help with seedling disease
   3. Do not plant more than 2.5 inches deep
   4. Try not to add irrigation during the coldest days where night time temperatures are in the 40’s and 50’s and the day time temperatures are below 70-75. If you need to go ahead and add irrigation do not apply more than is needed to activate herbicides.