The purpose of this study is to examine how planting depth impacts plant population, emergence and yield.

2017 Multi-Location Soybean Planting Depth Study

Deeper planting depths had significantly better stand establishment compared to the 1 in. depth control. While soybeans compensate for inadequate stands, it’s still important to establish a uniform stand for better weed control and to preserve soil temperature and later in the season.

The 1.5 in. planting depth provided the best balance of uniform soil moisture and consistent soil temperatures to establish a stand at planting. Soil temperature is also important to nodulation efficiency, as soybeans primarily form nodules at t he depth in which they are planted. Because of this, deeper planting depths allow for nodulation to take place deeper in t he soil profile, which protects the nodules from the higher temperatures and soil saturation closer to the soil surface. The 1.5 in. depth provided the perfect balance of quick, uniform stand establishment and protection of nitrogen producing nodules.

2-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION PLANTING DEPTH YIELD AVERAGE

2021 Iowa Soybean SINGULATION STUDY 15 IN. ROWS

2021 Iowa Soybean STARTER FERTILIZER STUDY 2X2X2

Planting Depth Study

2017 Multi-location Soybean Planting Depth Study

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