Some soybean equipment investments may have a large impact on soybean yield and growers need to know which investments are going to maximize profit in the long run and where they have flexibility to use currently owned equipment. The most common question we get from growers about equipment regards investing in a narrow row soybean planter, typically on 15 inch row spacing. We have a lot of row spacing data in the state, but less is known about the optimal seed delivery method to achieve uniform emergence and optimize soybean yield. Growers in the Coastal Plain also want to know if narrow row soybeans pay in their environment because they have seen wide-row ripped soybeans perform well on their farms. This project seeks to provide foundational information to growers on the equipment investments that are important in soybean production in the state. Two research studies will be conducted annually across North Carolina to address these research questions. Results will be effectively disseminated to County Extension Agents and soybean producers across North Carolina so informed equipment investments can be made.

1. Determine the impact of drilled versus precision planted soybeans on uniformity of soybean emergence and soybean yield

2. Evaluate the yield impact of narrow versus wide-row, ripped soybeans in the Coastal Plain

3. Extend results to County Extension Agents, soybean producers, and other soybean stakeholders throughout North Carolina