Cold soils can lead to chilling injury for newly planted corn
Cold temperatures can result in injury to the germinating corn seed as it absorbs moisture - a problem called imbibitional chilling injury. Damage can occur when soil temperatures are at or below 50 F.
UPDATE - Soil temperature and cold injury for corn
As a cool front impacts Kansas in early May, keep an eye soil temperatures with respect to planting corn and soybeans. Chilling injury can occur if soil temperatures drop too low.
Soil temperatures continue a roller coaster pattern in early May
Soil temperatures continue to take a roller coaster ride heading into mid-May. Extension Agronomy has been continually monitoring both soil and air temperatures this spring. Read this latest update here.