In row crop operations, harvest yields are dependent on proper land preparation and planting in the spring. Since the planting season is so critical, learn how you can prepare to have a successful one.
Whether you run a tillage or no-till row crop operation, there are still things you should do to prepare your land for spring planting. Your land should be fertilized and clean of weeds and debris from the cold winter months. Regular soil testing and proper fertilization practices from the test recommendations will help ensure your soil has the right nutrients for your row crop operation.
Land preparation ensures you give your row crops the best seed-to-soil contact for optimal growth and enhanced yields. If your soil is not clean, fertilized, or prepared correctly, your crops and yields will reflect that. Land preparation is where your crop cycle begins, so you must consider proper fertilization and preparation before spring planting begins.
Whether you do the pre-season work on your equipment yourself or work with your local Koenig Equipment Service Department, it is always important to make sure your equipment is in proper working condition before heading to the field.
Equipment inspections prevent unexpected failures and minimize repair costs by ensuring that your equipment and all its components are working properly. Koenig Equipment offers KoenigCare Inspection programs for agriculture equipment. With KoenigCare, a certified John Deere technician will perform a multi-point inspection of your equipment, checking for required repairs and making recommendations to ensure your equipment is field-ready this spring.
Depending on your operation, you can choose a John Deere planter or drill for your row crop planting equipment. If your crop is corn and soybeans, you will need a planter. Depending on your preference, John Deere offers a few different planters: air seeders, drawn planters, or mounted planters. A grain drill might be a better option if you only plant soybeans and prefer a closer row and planting at higher seed populations.
Ultimately, the weather controls when you can get crops in the ground, but there are some standard time frames for planting corn and soybeans. Your planting schedule can vary year-to-year depending on weather and soil conditions.
Corn has a tight, ideal window to get it in the ground. After years of study and research, the ideal time to plant corn is from April 20 to May 10. As you go further into May, the yield potential starts to decrease more and more.
Soybeans offer a bit more of a grace period on planting windows. In the southern regions of Ohio and Indiana, soil conditions are usually suitable for soybean planting any time after April 15. In the northern regions, the last week in April is a better time to start planting soybeans.
John Deere offers precision agriculture equipment and solutions to increase your operation’s productivity and efficiency during planting season. With a StarFire™ receiver and a display, you can leverage programs like AutoTrac™, AutoTrac™ Implement Guidance, and more to maximize your operation. Contact your local Optimization Specialist today to learn more about the John Deere precision agriculture solutions Koenig Equipment offers.
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