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2022
Maximizing Profitability of Early-Planted Soybean (Year 1)
Contributor/Checkoff:
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Carrie Knott, University of Kentucky
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
02-023-022
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Institution Funded:
Brief Project Summary:
It has been well established that planting soybean early will generally result in the greatest yield potential. However, in recent years the question has become “How early is too early?” In addition, if very early planting dates occur “Should management practices be changed for these very early planting dates?”
The specific objectives of this study are to:
1) Determine when the plant canopy closes and seed yield and quality of early-planted soybean
2) Determine when the plant canopy closes and seed yield and quality of soybean that receive broadcast sulfur and nitrogen after planting, but before seedling emergence
3) Determine which soybean relative maturity groups maximize seed yield...
Information And Results
Project Summary

It has been well established that planting soybean early will generally result in the greatest yield potential. However, in recent years the question has become “How early is too early?” In addition, if very early planting dates occur “Should management practices be changed for these very early planting dates?”
The specific objectives of this study are to:
1) Determine when the plant canopy closes and seed yield and quality of early-planted soybean
2) Determine when the plant canopy closes and seed yield and quality of soybean that receive broadcast sulfur and nitrogen after planting, but before seedling emergence
3) Determine which soybean relative maturity groups maximize seed yield and profitability when planted early.
The successful completion of this project will assist with identifying ways that soybeans can be produced at a reduced cost and ultimately increased profitability.

Project Objectives

The specific objectives of this study are to: 1) Determine when the plant canopy closes and seed yield and quality of early-planted soybean 2) Determine when the plant canopy closes and seed yield and quality of soybean that receive broadcast sulfur and nitrogen after planting, but before seedling emergence 3) Determine which soybean relative maturity groups maximize seed yield and profitability when planted early.

Project Deliverables

Identification of agronomic management strategies that maximize profitable soybean production when planted early in the season.

Progress Of Work

Final Project Results

Benefit To Soybean Farmers

The specific benefit of this project would be to identify methods that will maximize profitability of early-planted soybean production. At this time, we have some data indicating that it may increase profitability if additional inputs are used, such as fertilizer at planting for those very early planting dates. Although this would be an additional input cost, the preliminary work suggests a yield gain in excess of 10 bushels per acre. At these levels, the profitability is much greater than no fertilizer inputs at planting. There are likely other management decisions that could also increase profitability, such as maturity group selection.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.