5 Essential Management Tips for Early-Planted Soybeans

By Blake Jackson

As soybean farmers increasingly extend their planting window, the importance of effective crop management practices becomes paramount. Early-planted soybeans offer a distinct yield advantage, providing an extended period for increased node development, leading to higher pod creation and ultimately, elevated seed production. To capitalize on this potential, the United Soybean Board (USB) collaborated with 14 university researchers to devise essential management tips.

Here are five key strategies:

Strategic Planting Timing:

• Determine the ideal planting time based on location and maturity group.
• Research from the Wisconsin Soybean Extension Program suggests starting seven to 10 days before corn in the Upper Midwest.
• University of Missouri findings highlight April 15 as optimal for certain maturity groups, considering ground conditions and crop insurance dates.

Optimal Soil Conditions:

• Wait for suitable soil conditions, considering temperature and moisture.
• Soybeans germinate best when soil temperatures are at or below 50 degrees F.
• Avoid planting in excessively wet or dry soil to prevent compaction, crusting, and potential pathogen risks.

Adapt Planting Rate:

• Adjust planting rates to match the environment.
• In high-yield environments, aim for a final stand of 100,000 plants per acre, while a low-yield environment may benefit from 135,000 plants per acre.
• Purdue studies suggest that 80,000 plants per acre in 30-inch rows can achieve 100% yield due to increased branching and node development.

Seed Protection Measures:

• Early-planted soybeans face increased risks from pathogens like fusarium and rhizoctonia.
• Choose resistant varieties and apply fungicide seed treatments.
• Consider insecticide seed treatments in regions prone to bean leaf beetle.

Sulfur Application Focus:

• Early planting often occurs in cool, wet conditions, necessitating attention to sulfur fertility.
• Purdue research indicates a positive response to sulfate forms of sulfur in early-planted soybeans.
• Combine nitrogen with sulfur in cool conditions to support soybeans before nitrogen fixation begins.

Planning for the success of early-planted soybeans starts in the off-season, incorporating these tips for improved yields at harvest. Stay ahead of challenges, enhance soil and seed conditions, and strategically manage sulfur application for a bountiful soybean harvest.
 
For additional information on farming tips and best management practices, please visit the following link: https://www.farms.com/ 

Photo Credit: istock-sandramatic