Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

What is the likely consequence of planting a summer crop too early?

1. Increased crop yield

2. Reduced germination

3. Improved soil health

4. Higher nutrient availability

The correct answer is: Reduced germination

Planting a summer crop too early can lead to reduced germination due to several factors related to temperature and soil conditions. When seeds are planted before the optimal soil temperatures are reached, they may not germinate effectively. Seeds require specific thermal conditions to imbibe water and initiate the germination process. For many summer crops, soil temperatures need to be warm enough for the biochemical processes that support seed germination to occur efficiently. Additionally, if a crop is planted too early, there may be increased moisture levels, which can lead to waterlogged soils and inhibit the oxygen exchange that seeds require. This situation can create anaerobic conditions detrimental to seed viability and root development. Overall, the combination of potentially unfavorable temperature and moisture levels contributes to reduced germination rates when summer crops are planted too early.