Consider Effects on Seedbed Before Tilling Wet Soil

The current weather conditions of frequent rain caused saturated conditions in most Iowa soils. Tilling soil for drying the soil surface or weed control at this time may have significant negative impacts on creating proper seedbed conditions and increase soil compaction. When early weeds have emerged but surface soil is still too wet for no-till planting, growers often consider doing a shallow field cultivation in an attempt to kill winter annual weeds. Non no-tillers may consider cultivation simply to dry the soil. Before spending time and fuel for cultivation, analyze the potential effects on weeds and soil