Comparison of Soybean Row Spacing with Delayed Planting
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 5, Issue 1 - June 2012
Editor: Linda Chalker-Scott
Abstract
The use of 15-inch soybean row spacing has decreased in northwest Missouri and more growers are adopting 30-inch row spacing. University of Missouri Extension recommends using narrow row spacing when soybean planting is delayed. The objective of these experiments was to demonstrate soybean yield response of 15-inch row spacing compared to 30-inch when soybean planting was delayed from the optimum planting date. Group III indeterminate soybeans were planted as single experiments in a complete randomized block design. In 2011, five varieties were planted in 30-inch and 15-inch rows on June 5. In 2010, ten varieties were planted May 25. Soybeans planted in 15-inch rows mean yields were greater than those planted in 30-inch rows across all varieties in both years. In 2011, the average yield increase of using 15-inch row spacing compared to 30-inch row spacing resulted in a 15 percent yield increase averaged across the five varieties. In 2010, the average yield increase of 15-inch rows increased yields by 28 percent compared to 30-inch rows. Consideration should be given to narrow row spacing when soybean planting is delayed.
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