When this happens, no stand or at best an incomplete stand will result. An irrigation of 0.50 to 0.75 inches immediately after planting should be applied to settle the soil and to start seeds germinating. For larger seeded crops, irrigation a few days prior to seeding is desired. If seeds are slow to come up due to cool temperatures or slow germination, then irrigations of 0.75 to 1 inch per acre should be applied as needed. This should be done to keep the area around the seed moist until seedlings emerge.
Irrigation is a valuable tool in getting a good, uniform stand which insure high yields.
Good uniform stands also mean uniform harvest dates and more efficiency of production. Vegetable transplants also require good soil moisture. A light irrigation of 0.50 to 0.75 inch per acre will help establishment by providing a ready supply of water to young broken roots. Irrigation at planting time can also reduce soil crusting and hasten seedling emergence. If 0.50 to 0.75 inch of irrigation is slowly applied, either with low rates or by turning the irrigation system off long enough to allow water to soak in, crusting can be reduced and stand will be improved.