In this episode of the Dairyland Seed Agronomy Cafe, Northern Region Agronomist Chad Staudinger is joined by Western Region Agronomist Brian Weller for a practical conversation on what really affects soil temperatures in the spring. While many growers focus on air temperature alone, Brian explains that sunlight, day length, crop residue, soil moisture, soil color, soil texture, slope, and even biological activity all play a role in how quickly soils warm and cool. The discussion also highlights why residue-heavy fields may warm more slowly but can hold heat longer, why darker soils often warm faster than lighter soils, and how moisture can stabilize temperature swings.

Topics discussed

• Why air temperature is only one piece of the soil temperature story
• How sunlight and radiant energy warm soils
• The impact of longer day length as spring progresses
• Why crop residue can slow warming but help hold soil heat
• How soil moisture affects daily temperature swings
• The role of soil color and organic matter in heating soils
• Why sandy and coarse-textured soils fluctuate faster than heavier soils
• How slope and field orientation affect warming and drying
• The possible role of biological activity in warmer, healthier soils
• Brian’s observations on lake water temperatures and ice-out timing as indicators of spring field activity
• Practical tips for checking soil fit before planting

Helpful links

• Dairyland Seed website: https://www.dairylandseed.com/
• Dairyland Seed YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSY8ohS71_e8uBTb8IBurPvsSF82SziRX
• Contact your Dairyland Seed agronomist or DSM: https://www.dairylandseed.com/rep-finder.html

Episode notes

• Recorded May 1, 2026
• Host: Chad Staudinger, Dairyland Seed Northern Region Agronomist
• Guest: Brian Weller, Dairyland Seed Western Region Agronomist

Produced, edited and mixed by Corteva Agriscience.

All content is developed and produced by the Dairyland Seed Agronomy Team.

Guests do not necessarily reflect the views of Dairyland Seed, or Corteva Agriscience.

All agronomic information provided are merely suggestions. You should always do your own additional research and adhere to any local, state, or national laws.

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