A chilly start to planting is a risk, but so is delaying too long

"Cool to cold soil may delay emergence, it's true, however true chill injury from imbibing cold water after planting is only a risk in the first 12 to 24 hours, Johnson says."

"The risk of cold water imbibition is real, and can result in poor vigour of seedlings and the tell-tale corkscrew effect on corn seedlings resulting in some yield loss, however there's a larger yield loss risk to waiting too long to get the corn in the ground."

"If you've only got a few acres to plant and can wait out the rain, do it, Johnson says, but if there's many fields left to go and the soil is fit, cool weather conditions shouldn't be what holds you back."

Cool to cold soil can delay corn and soybean emergence for Ontario farmers. Cold-water imbibition after planting can cause early seedling problems, including reduced vigor and a corkscrew effect on corn seedlings, which can lead to some yield loss. The risk is most significant during the first 12 to 24 hours after planting. Waiting too long to plant increases the chance of a larger yield penalty. If a cold rain is expected immediately after planting, waiting may be beneficial, especially for small acreages. If soil is fit and many fields remain, cool weather alone should not prevent planting.

Read at Realagriculture