This means that in normal years, fields with a bare soil surface will have a warmer soil temperature, supporting better crop emergence and nutrient availability. Higher yields may result, although the yield differences don't always pay for the extra cost of all the tillage. When the soil is dry there is much less water to warm-water that takes a lot of energy to get the resulting warmer soil temperature. Simply put, dry soil warms much faster than wet soil. This appears to be the year to conserve soil moisture in many areas, notes Eash.
Many planters do an excellent job of planting in less than perfect soil conditions.
The University of Minnesota Extension Service is an equal opportunity educator and employer.