Along with soil temperature, several other factors influence crop growth such as seeding depth, packing, fertilizer placement, residual herbicide, crop residue management, disease and seed quality. Ensure an even spread of chaff and chopped straw so seeding equipment will not plug in areas with heavy crop residues, soil will warm more evenly, and hairpinning will be reduced. Direct seeding can usually occur at a shallower depth than conventional seeding because of better soil moisture conditions near the surface. Also, at shallower depths, spring soil temperatures are warmer. In areas with a short growing season, consider using openers that push crop residue away from the seed furrow.
Crop residue left on the seed row reflects sunlight, slowing seed bed warming.
Most hoe and knife openers push the residue off the furrow, allowing the soil to warm faster. Ensure herbicide residues will not affect the crop being seeded. Use plump seed with high germination and seedling vigour. Rotate crops, and treat the seed to minimize disease concerns. Conclusion Research has shown that soil temperature, while cooler under direct seeded soils, does not appear to be a concern in most years.