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Row Width Considerations In Soybean Production

Source: Crop Insights, Pioneer Hi-Bred

By Mark Jeschke

To read the entire article, click here.

Nov. 15, 2011 — Row width is one of the management practices most often considered by growers as potentially important to increase soybean yields and profits.

For that reason, numerous research studies have been conducted over the last 40 years to determine optimal soybean row spacing.

This Crop Insights article reviews research results, current row-spacing trends and factors beyond yield potential that may influence row spacing preferences of soybean growers.

Below is a summary. To read the entire article click here (PDF).

Soybean study

• Recent research studies have shown a 3 to 4 bushel per acre yield advantage with drilled narrow-row and 15-inch row soybeans over soybeans in 30-inch rows.

• Soybean row spacing preferences vary greatly across the Midwestern U.S., with narrow rows (15 inches or less) favored in Illinois and Indiana, and 30-inch rows more common in Iowa and Minnesota.

• The relatively limited adoption of narrow-row soybeans in some areas indicates that factors other than yield potential are influencing grower decisions.

• Soybean acreage in drilled narrow rows has declined across North America in the last five years, while acreage in 15-inch rows has increased. Thirty-inch rows have increased in some areas, in part to mitigate Sclerotinia stem rot, or white mold.

• Factors such as equipment costs, workload management, planting and harvest efficiency, and weed and disease control can all influence the economic viability of narrow-row soybeans.


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COMMENTS: 2
Planting pattern
Posted from: Ernie, 11/20/11 at 8:42 AM CST
I am seeing a fairly significant level of return to wide rows, especially 30 inch since this pattern lends itself to rotation with soybeans, corn, and even cotton. Another consideration that must come into play is the variety, since this influences lodging, disease, and other factors.
Soybean row width Research
Posted from: Grant, 11/19/11 at 8:23 PM CST
I have some questions on this one. Does it take into consideration that drilled beans require @ least a 10% increase in seeding rates to get same average stands? I think that one gets 95% of the yield gain going to 15' or 20' rows & there is little to gain on drilled beans. Were these plots hand harvested or harvested w/ a combine. Most newer headers mash down a 10" - 12" strip of beans on the ends. Harvest losses are higher on drilled beans. One can get a divider point down a 15" or 20" row. There is certainly less disease in rowed beans vs. drilled beans & there is less crop damage when spraying "Over the Top" chemicals whether it is Herbicide, Insecticide, or Fungicide. Acres of drilled soybeans is declining in this area apparently because the Costs & Risks are greater than the meager gains.
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