Determining Proper Row Orientation and Seeding Population for Soybean Production

Abstract

Soybean planting seed cost is the greatest expense in most growing seasons. The objective of this study was to evaluate row orientations on 40-in rows (single-row [SR] vs twin-row [TR]) and planting populations (78,400, 104,500, 130,800 and 156,800) seed/acre. In 2017 and 2018 a field study in the Mississippi Delta was designed to determine whether canopy closure was impacted by treatment and the effect on yield and plant characteristics. Mapping data showed that soybean yield was maintained at low seeding rates. Data indicated that planting population could be reduced provided the existing stand was uniform in emergence.