I have been made aware of some growers who are trying to till “semi-dry” fields in order to help them dry out.

Apparently the growers recognize that the fields are too wet to plant, but they figure they can use a field cultivator to till things up and help the drying process. Please be aware that in many (most?) instances, this is not a good plan.

First, “semi-dry” or wet fields will not work well and the soil will likely lose structure and form aggregates that will cause problems for the rest of the season.

Second, given the wet conditions of these fields, compaction zones where the tractor tires and equipment was located are a likely problem, again something that will haunt you for the rest of the season.

Last (according to my list, but first in importance from my perspective), weeds, particularly winter annuals, are likely large in these fields. Tilling in “semi-dry” soil will serve to only transplant these weeds, not kill them. The transplanted weeds will be more difficult to manage when planting finally occurs.

While it is getting later in the season, patience is still the best virtue. Use an appropriate PRE herbicide treatment with POST and residual activity to manage existing weeds and those that will appear after planting. Do not skimp on the rates of glyphosate. In many instances, the existing broadleaf weeds can be better managed with 2,4-D but do not forget the application/planting delays.

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