Continue exploring if early planting (late April or early May) will consistently improve soybean yield compared to North Dakota’s normal planting period (last one-half May). Also, will continue building a database to support NDSU recommendations for broadcasting versus banding phosphorus (P) fertilizer. In addition, paired-row versus conventional-row spacing using contrasting plant canopy types will be examined.

Updated December 2, 2016:
Final Progress Report is downloaded in the File (optional) below

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Impact of selected establishment factors on soybean production - row spacing and plant canopy
Greg Endres, Extension area agronomist (principal investigator), and Dr. Mike Ostlie, NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center (CREC) research agronomist

The field study was initiated in 2015 at the CREC to examine soybean response to paired rows compared to wider rows and plant canopy types. The newest interest with soybean row spacing is with paired rows, but research data is very limited in North Dakota. As farmers consider row spacing options, they also ask about the best choice of plant canopy type when determining soybean varieties to grow. Data from this study will assist in answering questions regarding any advantages with using paired-row spacing and if plant canopy type is a contributing factor to increasing soybean yield.

In 2015, row spacing includes: a) 7-inch pairs (centered on 28 inches), b) 14 inches, and c) 28 inches; and plant canopy types include: a) intermediate (Peterson Farms Seed 12R05) and b) bushy (PFS 15R05N). The varieties have the same maturity group rating; and have similar yield potential, plant height and several other agronomic traits. Best management practices as recommended by NDSU were used for soybean production.

Averaged across the two varieties, plant stand was similar among row spacings (trial average of 118,800 plants/acre). Canopy closure with 14-inch rows occurred 10 days earlier than paired 7-inch rows and 27 days earlier than 28-inch rows. Pod height with paired and 14-inch rows was slightly over one inch higher than with 28-inch rows. Seed yield was similar among row spacings, but paired rows tended to have slightly higher yield compared to 14- or 28-inch rows. Averaged across rows, the intermediate canopy type tended to have quicker canopy closure versus the bushy type. Plant response, and seed yield and quality with the row by plant type interaction were not statistically significant. No conclusions or recommendations can be currently obtained due to the limited (one site-year) data.