Plowing, especially with a disk, is less desirable because it promotes clodding and soil compaction that can inhibit root growth. We also need to accurately gauge soil moisture in the seedbed and irrigate if necessary, before or after planting, to bring it up to par. At planting, be sure you are placing the seed no deeper than three times the width of the seed. Irrigating after planting to retain uniform soil moisture until the crop is established is another way to optimize rapid germination and plant growth. Strategically placed windbreaks are the best tool growers have to protect a crop once young plants are established, the specialist added.
Windbreaks do just what their name implies they reduce wind movement across a field.
This reduces soil moisture evaporation and soil erosion, protects young plants from blowing soil or debris, and improves the micro-climate surrounding young plants. Adding windbreaks requires some additional planning, and some extra cost, but you will see a direct benefit. Sometimes, we can get a better stand from enhanced seeds those already germinating especially when soil temperatures are less than ideal at planting time. Daniello was among a dozen speakers addressing more than 125 growers at this year's January conference which routinely draws vegetable growers, shippers, packers, industry representatives, and researchers from five states. Conference sponsors include the Extension Service and Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, High Plains Vegetable Growers and Shippers Council, Deaf Smith County Extension Vegetable Development Committee, Deaf Smith County Chamber of Commerce, Texas Tech University and the Texas Department of Agriculture.