Wheat yield potential declines steadily with later plantings. Rye is more cold tolerant than wheat. The soil temperature planting guides that apply to wheat also work well for rye. Oats achieve adequate germination and stands when the soil temperature is 50 degrees. Lower soil temperatures hinder germination, leaving some of the seed dormant in seeded ground until the soil warms up.
Oats seeded in cool soils are also susceptible to rot, if soil moisture is ample.
Even if it does germinate, cold temperatures will likely retard its growth. Growers who seed wheat, oats or other small grains in cold, wet soils should consider using a seed-applied systemic treatment such as Apron or Metalaxyl to reduce the odds of seedling disease. Producers who want to plant small grains for spring grazing or haying still have some options, the agronomist said. Oats can be planted for forage in early February as far south as Lamesa, and in mid-February in the Plainview area, once soil temperatures warm back up to 50 degrees. Oats planted this late will have almost zero grain yield potential, Trostle added.