2019
In Depth investigation of Soybean Seeding Rates
Contributor/Checkoff:
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Biotic stressCrop protectionField management Pest
Lead Principal Investigator:
Laura Lindsey, The Ohio State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
19-R-28
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Institution Funded:
Brief Project Summary:

The objectives of this project are to identify the optimum soybean seeding rate for three planting date windows, determine the cause of soybean self-thinning, and examine the effect of soybean seeding rate and nematicide seed treatment on soybean yield and SCN population. This research identifies the agronomic and economic optimum seeding rate for three planting date windows: early, normal and late. Although many soybean seeding rate trials have been conducted, the effect of planting date on optimum seeding rate has been examined less frequently. The cause of soybean self-thinning is not well understood. These trials look at factors that influence self-thinning and final stand.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, extension agents

Information And Results
Project Deliverables

This project will directly support agronomic improvements to Ohio soybean
production. Many farmers are very interested in soybean seeding rate as the cost of soybean seed
is a significant portion of their budget. Here, we will identify the agronomic optimum (where
yield is greatest) and economic optimum (where economic return is greatest) seeding rate for
Figure 2. Soybean yield response to seeding rate at the OARDC in 2015. (A) Soybean seeding
rates ranging from 50,000-250,000 seeds/acre. (B) Soybean seeding rate ranging from 100,000-
250,000 seeds/acre. Same data as Figure 1A, but without the 50,000 seeds/acre treatment. The
extremely low seeding rate of 50,000 seeds/acre is necessary to generate a seeding rate response
curve and seeding rate recommendation.
three planting date windows (early, normal, and late). Although many soybean seeding rate trials
have been conducted, the effect of planting date on optimum seeding rate has been examined less
frequently. Additionally, the cause of soybean self-thinning is not well understood. Here, we will
look at factors that influence self-thinning and final stand. Additionally, seed treatments are a
significant cost to Ohio soybean farmers. We will examine the effect of soybean seeding rate and
nematicide seed treatment on soybean yield and SCN in a field with a high population of SCN.
Transfer

Final Project Results

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.