Soybean seeding rates in Illinois have typically ranged from 150 to 200% of the number of plants needed at harvest (75,000 to 100,000 plants/acre) to maximize yield. High seeding rates provide "insurance" against conditions that reduce soybean emergence. The cost of soybean seed was historically a relatively minor expense to the cropping operation. The practice of dramatically over-seeding was therefore a good decision from both an agronomic and economic point-of-view. However, soybean seed costs are five-fold greater today than 15 years ago. These higher seed costs have increased interest in reduced seeding rates to maximize economic returns. Those previous trial results compiled over the...
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.