By Jeff Coulter, University of Minnesota Extension corn specialist

Avoid tillage and planting when soils are wet. In general, a field is ready for seedbed preparation when soil in the depth of tillage crumbles when squeezed. Pre-plant tillage when soils are wet can create a cloddy seedbed that reduces seed-to-soil contact. Achieving excellent seed-to-soil contact is essential for rapid and uniform imbibition of moisture by seeds and uniform emergence. Tillage when soils are wet can also create a compacted layer below the depth of tillage that can restrict root development

Originally posted the University of Minnesota.