Soybean management practices

Tillage prior to planting adds cost per acre farmed and has not been shown to increase soybean yields significantly.

[1] This process is considered a good conservation practice because tilling disturbs the soil crust, causing erosion.

[2] A higher seed population will close the canopy faster and reduce soil moisture loss.

According to former Iowa State University Soybean Extension Specialist Palle Pedersen, current recommendations are to plant rows that are less than 30" apart.

This concept is of prime importance in growing soybeans because yields are strongly correlated with planting date.

[1] Knowing the chance of frost in a given area prior to planting helps determine how early seed can safely be sown.