Etta Plains (Julia Creek, NW QLD)

Average soil temperature forecast	Evaluation Low Density Seed Type	Evaluation Normal Density Seed Type	Comments
< 16 °C	Unsuitable for planting cotton
16 - 18 °C	Caution	Marginal	Expect delayed emergence which is likely to impact establishment percentages. Warrants extreme caution for low density seed type varieties. Only consider planting in this temperature range if all other conditions are optimal (ideal bed conditions, low pest/disease pressure etc.).
18 - 20 °C	Marginal	Good	Considered as the minimum requirement for favourable germination and emergence. Development is slower at this temperature range and low density seed type varieties risk energy depletion which can lead to poor establishment.
> 20 °C **	Good	Good	Considered favourable for all seed types.

These recommendations represent technical advice aimed at improving establishment outcomes for growers, not a directive. Note that this refers to average temperature, not 8am/minimum temperature.

** Excessively high soil temperatures particulalry in northern Australia warrant caution, where temperatures above 35-40C may negatively affect germination (FastStart-Establishment-Guide pp 29)

Normal density seed type varieties are Sicot 714B3F, Sicot 711RRF, Sicot 812RRF and Sicot 619B3XF. The remaining suite of CSD's varieties are considered low density seed type varieties.

This is a guide to assist growers and consultants of conditions to enable adjustments to operational planning and/or planting rates to compensate, if the need requires. The average soil temperature forecast is based on conditions where the soil sensor is located, and accuracy of the forecast provided by the Bureau of Meteorology. The prediction of forecast soil temperature should be utilised as a guide only to refine the decision-making process.

CSD strongly encourages growers and agronomists to monitor soil temperatures of individual fields prior to and during the planting operation.

Disclaimer: By using this information provided by Cotton Seed Distributors you accept all risks and responsibilities associated with any losses, damages, costs or other related consequences