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

March 21, 2022

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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).

Disclaimer

Always read and follow pesticide label directions, insect resistance management requirements (where applicable), and grain marketing and all other stewardship practices.