5 MIN READ

A Long-term Research Study Investigating the Effect of Planting Date on Soybean Yield Potential in the Northern Plains

March 21, 2022

TRIAL OBJECTIVE

  • This research was conducted with an objective of understanding the risks and benefits of planting soybean at various times throughout the spring.
  • The goal of this study is to provide planting date guidance for to help maximize yield potential.
  • This data may be used as a reference guide to help growers make replant decisions when stands are reduced by frost or other factors.

RESEARCH SITE DETAILS

  • On-going trial since 2010 across Northern Plains (North and South Dakota).
  • This data is a summary of a small data set with limited locations. Values are based on averages and not significantly analyzed.
  • To compare data across years, results are presented as a percentage of the maximum yield for the year and corn product.
  • Trial Design: Non-replicated strip trials.

Year and Location of Strip Trials

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UNDERSTANDING THE RESULTS

  • The highest yields were attained when soybean was planted from late April to Mid-May, with a steady decline as the season progressed (Figure 1).
  • The potential to maximize yield decreased 20% from May 25th to June 15th (20 days), resulting in an average daily loss of 1.0% (Figure 1).

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Figure 1. After May 25th, the potential to maximize yield decreased 1.0% per day (identified as the time between the arrows).