In recent years, many growers have expressed interest in and experimented with early maturing soybean maturity groups. The concept is appealing to some growers because it allows for an early harvest and earlier establishment of cover crops and/or small grains. We propose evaluating the agronomic characteristics of early maturity soybeans (0, I, II, and III) grown in a Maryland climate for their potential integration into Maryland grain rotations. Since these maturity groups are not traditionally planted in our latitude, little is known about their agronomic performance and yield potential in our region, therefore this data needs to be collected before growers can make an informed decision.

1. Evaluate the agronomic characteristics of several early maturity group soybeans grown in a Maryland climate.
2. Evaluate cover crop and/or small grain performance following soybean harvest.
3. Disseminate results to farmers and agriculture professionals.

Seed will be sourced from local seed dealers and will include a range of maturities from 0 to early group III.

Replicated plots will be established at the Wye Research & Education Center in Queenstown, MD. Plots will be planted in April or early May. All varieties will be planted at the same time.

Stand counts will be conducted after emergence.

Fertility and crop management (weeds and insects) will be managed in accordance with extension guidelines.

Plots will be harvested at maturity as the soybean groups reach R8.

Cover crops and/or small grains will be seeded as soon after harvest as possible. Not all plots will be seeded on the same day as the soybean maturity groups will influence maturity and harvest.

Cover crop/small grain establishment will be rated in the fall, including stand, canopy density, tillering (for small grain), and biomass.

For cover crop plots, final biomass ratings will be collected in the spring prior to termination/planting of the 2025 crop. Small grain plots will be harvested for grain and yield data collected to compare yield and grain quality vs. planting date as determined by the soybean harvest date.

Data from this study will be published in extension publications and/or peer-reviewed crop production journals. Data will also be presented to growers at regional and statewide meetings and newsletters.

Updated July 30, 2024:
Soybean plots were established at the Wye Research and Education Center in Queenstown, MD. Four maturity groups from two seed brands (Pioneer and Hubner) each were planted in a randomized block design. Maturity groups were 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0. A project update will be presented at the MSB/UMD Field Day at Wye on August 8.