It’s no secret that weather conditions have been less than favorable this spring causing our growers to become anxious and uneasy across the Titan Pro footprint. As soils remain consistently wet, many farmers are questioning whether they should switch maturities, but don’t let your patience run thin just yet.
In recent trials conducted by Iowa State University, the same soybean variety planted 40 to 60 days apart reached maturity within 7-10 days of each other. Likewise, a 0.5 to 1.0 maturity group spread resulted in a difference of only 3-5 days to reach maturity.*
Since soybeans are a photosensitive crop, they will automatically adjust their development. The longer they flower, the more pods and higher yield potential. In a delayed planting year like this, the soybeans will flower earlier. With more yield potential to protect, fungicide applications are critical to plant health.
Late Planting Considerations For Maximizing Yield
- Use narrow or drilled rows where feasible to promote faster canopy closure
- Increase planting rate by 10 – 15%
- Avoid compaction by checking field conditions
- Implement a timely weed management program
Bottom line, if planting is delayed past mid-June make a realistic determination of remaining soybean yield potential and preventative planting options. Unless a late-maturing variety was the first choice, there is no advantage to changing to an earlier variety before mid-June.
This season will certainly test our patience!
Source: *Licht, M., Kessler, A., & Archontoulis, S., Dr. (2019, May 13). Late Soybean Planting Options. Retrieved from https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2019/05/late-soybean-planting-options
Additional websites for more in-depth info:
North Dakota Soybean Council
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Minnesota
