How local soil temperature impacts your yield

Soil temperature plays a critical role in crop growth and overall farm productivity. 

Understanding precise soil temperature data is key to optimising farm operations, from planting to harvesting.

Soil temperature for planting

Seed germination

Crops have temperature requirements for germination. Sowing too early or too late can result in wasted seed.

Root growth

Warmer soils encourage growth, allowing plants to absorb water and nutrients. Cold soils slow growth and the plant's ability to absorb moisture.

Nutrient cycling

Soil microbes break down organic matter and release nutrients. Cold soils slow microbial activity, reducing nutrient availability.

Weed growth

Monitoring soil temperature helps farmers time their weed control. Some herbicides work best when soil temperatures are between 10-13°C.

Pesticide efficacy

Applying pesticides outside the recommended temperature range may lead to reduced performance and higher pest pressure.

Water uptake

Cold soils make water harder for roots to absorb. Early-season crops might suffer from water stress even when irrigation is adequate.

Know your local soil data

Estimating soil temperature based on air temperature or large-scale regional reports can lead to costly mistakes. Soil temperature varies significantly based on local conditions such as soil type, moisture levels, and topography.

These differences creates unique planting windows from field to field. Local soil temperature data provides real-time insights specific to each field, allowing farmers to avoid relying on broad regional estimates.

With this level of precision, farmers can make better-informed decisions on when to plant, apply fertilizer, or manage weeds. This data is crucial for improving efficiency, minimizing input waste, and ultimately boosting yields.

Soil temperature measurements at the start of the growing season on the Danish island, Lolland

Maximize yield with a soil temperature probe

Local soil temperature readings allow farmers to better understand the conditions within their fields, ensuring that decisions like planting, fertilization, and irrigation are based on real-time, field-specific data.

These precise measurements help optimize every farming decision to meet the needs of each field’s unique environment.

By using local data, farmers can more effectively respond to microclimates and subtle variations that affect soil health and crop growth. This leads to improved yields and more efficient resource use, maximizing productivity in every part of the farm.

Cordulus Farm soil temperature probe displayed with a brown field in the background
Cordulus weather station on a field, measuring local soil temperature on a sunny day

Accurate and historical soil data

The Cordulus weather station uses a soil temperature probe built to withstand harsh conditions. With a stainless steel mesh, moisture-resistant cable and accurate measurements, farmers can depend on consistent, real-time data.

For some crops, you might need to bury the sensor deeper than the standard 10 centimeters. Our 3-meter cable gives you lots of options.

With local soil temperature data, farmers can time their planting perfectly, avoiding the risks of unexpected frost or missing out on critical growing days. This level of precision reduces the risk of poor germination and ensures crops get the best possible start.