Growing Degree Units (GDUs) measure heat accumulation over time, helping farmers track crop development and predict harvest dates. GDUs are essential for timing key tasks like planting, irrigation, and pest control. For example, corn requires 85-100 GDUs to advance between growth stages, making precise tracking crucial for high yields.
How Are Growing Degree Units Calculated?
Formula to calculate GDUs:
GDU = (Daily Max Temp + Daily Min Temp) / 2 – Base Temp
- The base temperature varies by crop; for corn, it’s 50°F.
- If temperatures exceed the crop’s upper limit (e.g., 86°F for corn), the maximum is capped.
- If the result is negative, GDUs for the day are recorded as zero.
Practical Examples of GDUs in Farming
- Corn: Needs approximately 2,500 GDUs to reach maturity.
- Almonds: Require 400-600 GDUs for bloom development.
- Wheat: Germinates at 180-220 GDUs and reaches tillering at 600 GDUs.
- Tomatoes: Require 1,300-1,600 GDUs from transplant to harvest.
- Cotton: Needs about 1,200 GDUs to start flowering.
Where Can Farmers Calculate Growing Degree Units?
Farmers can manually track growing degree units (GDU) or use digital tools like:
- NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center
- AgNote’s Weather Integration
- Ag PhD GDU Calculator App
- Local university extension services
Optimize Crop Management with AgNote
AgNote simplifies crop tracking with dedicated row and permanent crop management features. Farmers can efficiently manage plantings, monitor crop progress, track inputs, and record expenses all in one place. The software provides intuitive tools for irrigation management, labor tracking, and harvest planning, ensuring that farmers can optimize productivity and profitability.
AgNote also supports multi-farm operations, allowing growers to oversee multiple fields and locations with ease. With its mobile-friendly interface and seamless integration with weather data, AgNote enables farmers to make informed decisions quickly. Whether you manage almonds, corn, or other permanent and row crops, AgNote offers a comprehensive platform to streamline your operations. Try AgNote free for seven days and take control of your farm’s success!
