EMI KIMURA
TEXAS
As peanut planting gets underway this May, achieving a uniform stand is critical for a successful season. Please review the following recommendations to ensure optimal stand establishment:
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Equipment Readiness: Thoroughly inspect and maintain your tractor and planter, paying close attention to all tubes and row units to avoid skips or uneven depth.
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Soil Temperature: Verify that the average soil temperature in each field is at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days. Check the forecast to ensure no cold fronts are expected. Note that soil temperatures can vary significantly depending on the amount of surface residue.
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Seed Quality Assurance: Retain a small sample of seeds from each lot and store them in a cool environment. Be sure to label these samples with the corresponding field IDs. If stand establishment is poor, these samples can be used for germination and vigor testing. Contact your county Extension agent for assistance with testing.
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Moisture Management: If fields are dry, apply 1/3″ – 1/2″ of irrigation before planting. Planting into dry soil followed by irrigation can lead to uneven emergence.
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Herbicide Incorporation: Ensure pre-emergence herbicides are incorporated with the labeled amount of irrigation or rainfall to maximize efficacy.
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Planter Speed and Monitoring: Maintain a steady, appropriate planting speed to ensure uniform seed placement. Conduct random stand counts at seven and 14 days after planting; a population of three to four plants per foot is sufficient for an optimal stand. ∆
