140 likes | 243 Views
Soybean Plant Population. How Low Can We Go?. Introduction. Recent research indicates we may be planting higher populations then necessary Improved varieties Improved stands Current recommendations:. Objectives.
E N D
Introduction • Recent research indicates we may be planting higher populations then necessary • Improved varieties • Improved stands • Current recommendations:
Objectives • To evaluate the effects of “lower than optimal” plant populations on soybean yield • To evaluate the effects of these populations across different row spacings and planting units
Study conducted at John Hoffman’s near New Hope Experimental Design: Split-Strip Plot Three populations 160,000 120,000 80,000 Four planting tools Kinze 3500 (15”) Kinze 3500 (30”) Sunflower 9412 (15”) Sunflower 9412 (7.5”) Three replications Strips were 20’ x 300’ Methods
Methods • Planted May 24 • Variety • NK S43-B1 • Indeterminate • RR • Cruiser Max
Methods • Fertilizer Program • 1.5 ton litter pre-plant • Chemical Program • PRE: 1 qt RU O-max; 0.125 qt Alliance • POST: 1 qt RU O-max; 0.125 qt Alliance; 6 oz Select (volunteer RR corn); ½ qt crop oil • Field was irrigated
Data Collection • Stand counts made at V4-V5 stage • Several locations averaged within each strip • Harvested November 3
a a a a Results: Did planter affect yield?
a a a Results: Did population affect yield?
Discussion • No difference in yield b/w 64,000 to 125,000 plants/acre! • Planter type had no affect on final plant stands • No difference in yield b/w planter types
Discussion • Can we really get away with 64,000 plants? • I would be cautious • Exceptional site • Irrigated site • Excellent variety • Stand uniformity was there • What about 100,000 plants? • I think this would work • Must get good seed placement, no room for error
What’s Next • Examine effects for different growth habits • Bushy vs tall beans • Canopy closure is critical for lower population • Do not recommend for DC beans • Examine effects without irrigation