Updated January 2015. The increased cost of health insurance is a central fact in any discussion of health policy and health delivery. As annual premiums edged beyond $16,800 for an average family, costs are blamed for rising uninsured and under-insurance..
Figure 1. Corn growth and temperature levels. Corn will germinate and grow slowly at about 50 F (10 C), but the average first spring planting dates across the U.S. usually begin when the average air temperatures reach 55 F (13 C) and soil temperature at seed depth is favorable for seedling growth.
The germination process requires the accumulation of heat units known as growing degree days. In general the accumulation of approximately 100 to 125 GDD are required for corn seedlings to emerge. If soil is cold at the time of planting, additional GDDs may be required to warm the soil around the seed to approximately 50 degrees F, sufficient to facilitate germination. Corn needs a minimum temperature of approximately 50 degrees F, soil moisture, and light for germination. While a minimum temperature of approximately 50 degrees F is required for germination, it is not advisable to base planting decisions on soil temperature alone.