Early Emergence: Getting Crops Off to a Strong Start

When seedlings come up evenly, they establish stronger root systems and handle stress more effectively. Plants that emerge at the same time also flower, set pods/ears, and mature more uniformly, making harvest more profitable. Alternatively, delayed or uneven emergence can mean weaker plants and lost yield later in the season.  

In a 2018 article from NC State Extension, NC State University Crop and Soil Sciences, and NC Soybean Producers Association, “How important is uniform emergence in soybeans?”, authors Vann, Dunphy, and Buffaloe reported that on average, there was a 14 bu/A yield penalty observed for soybeans that emerged on the fourth day of emergence compared to those that emerged the first day. At 7 of the 9 environments trialed, average soybean yield declines were 7%, 11%, and 25% at day 2, 3, and 4 of soybean emergence respectively, compared to day 1.   

In a 2024 article, the University of Minnesota Extension reported that uniform timing in corn plant emergence is even more important than uniform within-row spacing of plants. Grain yield is reduced by about 20% for plants that are one leaf stage behind earlier-emerged plants early in the season, and by 50% for plants that are two leaf stages behind.  

For cotton plants, achieving a uniform emergence with an optimal stand count can be particularly challenging. Because cotton seedlings are highly vulnerable to cold soil temperatures, cotton growers must carefully plan their planting dates to decrease risk. Cooler temperatures slow cotton development, worsen the risk of chilling injuries, and increase the seedling’s vulnerability to biotic stress. Recent research showed an average 19% decrease in cotton germination among plants germinating at temperatures under 64°F, and 51.5 hour delay to 50% germination, compared to plants germinating at temperatures over 82°F. However, early planting can extend the growing period, reducing the risk of low fiber micronaire during boll formation and optimizing fiber quality.   

Planting rarely happens under perfect conditions, and soil temperature, moisture at planting, and compaction all play a role in delayed emergence. Cool, wet soils can stall emergence, while inadequate soil moisture can cause a wide range of plant sizes within a field, impacting overall yield potential. With many acres to cover, farmers often must plant when conditions are less than ideal.