2016
Impact of Selected Establishment Factors on Soybean Production
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Contributor/Checkoff:
North Dakota Soybean Council
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Field management Nutrient managementSoil healthTillageYield trials
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Greg Endres, North Dakota State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Michael Ostlie, North Dakota State University
Project Code:
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
North Dakota Soybean Council
(n/a)
Institution Funded:
North Dakota State University, Carrington Research Extension Center
(n/a)
Brief Project Summary:

Planting soybean earlier than mid-May, when weather and soil conditions allow, appear to increase yield without additional expense. Additional data is needed to confirm and to identify potential risks. NDSU recommends broadcast versus banded application of phosphorus to optimize yield response but currently the recommendation is not supported with ND field research. While most farmers are growing soybean in intermediate row spacing (15- to 22-inch rows), yield data is being requested for the comparison of paired rows (centered on wide-row spacing) versus intermediate or wide rows. Also, time from planting to canopy closure may be reduced (desirable for increasing yield potential) using...

Unique Keywords:
#crop management systems
Information And Results
Final Project Results

Updated December 2, 2016:
Final Progress Report is downloaded in the File (optional) below

View uploaded report Word file

Impact of selected establishment factors on soybean production - row spacing and plant canopy
Greg Endres, Extension area agronomist (principal investigator), and Dr. Mike Ostlie, NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center (CREC) research agronomist

The field study was initiated in 2015 at the CREC to examine soybean response to paired rows compared to wider rows and plant canopy types. The newest interest with soybean row spacing is with paired rows, but research data is very limited in North Dakota. As farmers consider row spacing options, they also ask about the best choice of plant canopy type when determining soybean varieties to grow. Data from this study will assist in answering questions regarding any advantages with using paired-row spacing and if plant canopy type is a contributing factor to increasing soybean yield.

In 2015, row spacing includes: a) 7-inch pairs (centered on 28 inches), b) 14 inches, and c) 28 inches; and plant canopy types include: a) intermediate (Peterson Farms Seed 12R05) and b) bushy (PFS 15R05N). The varieties have the same maturity group rating; and have similar yield potential, plant height and several other agronomic traits. Best management practices as recommended by NDSU were used for soybean production.

Averaged across the two varieties, plant stand was similar among row spacings (trial average of 118,800 plants/acre). Canopy closure with 14-inch rows occurred 10 days earlier than paired 7-inch rows and 27 days earlier than 28-inch rows. Pod height with paired and 14-inch rows was slightly over one inch higher than with 28-inch rows. Seed yield was similar among row spacings, but paired rows tended to have slightly higher yield compared to 14- or 28-inch rows. Averaged across rows, the intermediate canopy type tended to have quicker canopy closure versus the bushy type. Plant response, and seed yield and quality with the row by plant type interaction were not statistically significant. No conclusions or recommendations can be currently obtained due to the limited (one site-year) data.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.