We went from needing a little rain to foster germination to wondering when we’ll get back in the fields. What a difference one weather system makes! Most areas received a nice 1- to 2 inches of rain, but isolated pockets received well over 4 or 5 inches with flooding and chances of more rain. Before entering fields again with planting equipment, take some time to check the fields that we have already planted for the possibility of soil crusting. Wet soil at planting – or even heavy rainfalls post-planting – can cause a crusted layer to form that may delay or prevent seedling emergence. Without enough residue on the surface to soften the impact of the falling raindrop heavy rains will pack the top of the soils and cause uneven emergence. Soybean hypocotyls can easily break as they push through the crust, which may result in significant stand reductions and lower yield potential. Click here to check out a good article by Iowa State University on soil crusting.