Weed Science Society of America shares some tips about the longevity of weeds seeds, the reason they persist and what you can do about it.

Through our exclusive No-Till Farmer webinar series, Reid Abbott, Field Agronomy Manager for Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers, will share findings from research studies conducted at the 750-acre North Central Research Station near St. Johns, Mich., and proven management practices to get corn and soybeans off to a great start this spring. [To view any of our webinar replays, you must be logged in with a free user account.]

The two primary requirements for soybean seed germination are temperatures above 50 F and seed moisture percentages greater than 50%. Air temperatures and seed moisture content during seed-filling are well above these minimums. But soybean seeds almost never germinate before maturity. Soybean, like many other grain crops, possess several mechanisms that prevent sprouting before maturity.

Conservation tillage practices are used throughout the southern Great Plains to reduce soil erosion and conserve soil moisture.

The agronomic side of strip-tilling is an important component and Mike Petersen, agronomist with Orthman Manufacturing, offers some primary tips, in an agronomic sense, that successful strip-tilling provides, including reduced nutrient loading to lakes and water courses, elimination of unnecessary pre-plant passes through the field and increased natural residue breakdown.