Benefits and risks of planting soybeans early

RALEIGH, N.C. — The farming community has shifted toward planting soybeans earlier than traditionally recommended.

Science for Success, a collaboration of land-grant institutions, shared a list of the potential benefits and risks of early planting in a recent release.

“The main reason for this shift is increased yield potential,” the report said. “While planting time varies by geographic region in the United States, most soybean farmers can plant soybeans earlier without compromising yield potential by adhering to a few recommended practices.”

Pros

1. Increased yield. When environmental conditions are favorable for crop development, early planting increases yield by:

• Increasing the amount of solar radiation accumulation which results in larger plants.

• Increasing the seed filling period.

• Increased root development for better access to soil nutrients and water.

2. Early harvest date.

• May help mitigate end-of-season risks.

• May save irrigation water.

• May reduce pesticide applications.

Cons

1. Air temperatures below 30 degrees for extended periods can lead to plant damage or death.

2. Wet and cold conditions can lead to soil-borne diseases like sudden death syndrome and brown stem rot.

3. Soil temperatures below 50 degrees can compromise germination leading to non-uniform stands, temporal variability and limited root and shoot growth.

4. Poor early season weather or choosing a non-ideal maturity group can compromise vegetative development.

Recommended Management Practices

The following practices are associated with high yield in early planting dates:

• Plant a range of mid to later-maturing soybean than usual.

• Use seeding rates at or above the recommended level.

• Use seed treatments to protect against specific pests.

• The effect of seed treatments on yield was found to be small and less critical compared to the planting date and maturity group.

• Apply foliar fungicides as needed when disease pressure reaches threshold levels.

• Use several herbicide modes of action to help mitigate the damage from herbicide- resistant weeds.

Learn more at soybeanscienceforsuccess.org.