New information regarding soybean planting depth
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EmailA new study on soybean planting depth may have producers reconsidering shallow planting depths.
Achieving the correct planting depth is more critical for soybean production than it is for corn production for several reasons. Soybean seed requires more water to germinate and soybean emergence is impeded to a greater extent when a soil crust develops.
I thought I understood the concepts and recommendations related to soybean planting depth fairly well. In general, soybeans should be planted from 1 to 1.5 inches deep under most conditions and always placed into at least 0.5 inch of moist soil. Michigan State University Extension recommends planting at the shallower end of the range under the following conditions: early planting; no-till/high residue situations; and where soils are prone to crusting. Producers should plant at the deeper end of the range when planting late or into coarse-textured soils. Soybean seed can be planted 2 inches deep in coarse-textured soils, but never plant deeper than 2.5 inches.
I recently became aware of new information generated by James Specht at the University of Nebraska that has me reevaluating my shallow planting recommendations. Specht summarized a three-year project evaluating the effects of planting depth and planting populations on soybean yields. The research results have not been published yet, so I cannot present actual data in this article. However, Specht has given me permission to discuss the key results from the project.
Seven planting depths from 1 to 2.5 inches deep were evaluated in 2011. In 2012 and 2013, a planting depth of 2.75 inches was added. Each planting depth was evaluated in six populations ranging from 35,000 to 210,000 plants per acre. All plots were planted in 30-inch rows. The plots were planted on April 29, 2013; May 1, 2012; and May 30 and June 4, 2011. A significant soil crust never developed at any of the research trials, so the following results apply to soils that are not susceptible to crusting.
The optimal planting depth across all populations and planting dates was 1.75 inches. I was surprised by the results as I had previously understood that planting shallow (1 inch) would be beneficial when planting early. However, the deeper planting depth provides more stable moisture and temperature conditions for the seed than the shallower planting depths. It also reduces the risk of frost or freeze damage to the emerged seedlings when planting early. Consider having your seed treated with one of the fungicides (metalaxyl or mefenoxam) that provide excellent control of Pythium when planting early or into high residue conditions.
The optimal planting population was determined to be between 105,000 and 140,000 seeds per acre in 30-inch rows. Planting depth had a greater impact on soybean yield when planting populations were 105,000 seeds per acre or lower. Soybean yields were reduced when the lower plant populations were planted at depths of 1 to 1.25 inches. This information is especially beneficial for soybean producers experimenting with lower planting populations this spring.
This article was produced by the SMaRT project (Soybean Management and Research Technology). The SMaRT project was developed to help Michigan producers increase soybean yields and farm profitability. SMaRT is a partnership between MSU Extension and the Michigan Soybean Checkoff program.
