Planting-Date Decisions

When outside temperatures begin to rise, you might be tempted to pull out your planter early. Past research in the Midsouth shows that early planting can indeed increase yield. Planting too early, though, can bring risk that could negate yield-increasing potential. The greatest risk with early planting is when the air is too cool after soybean emergence.

According to Trent Irby, Extension Soybean Specialist at Mississippi State University, one way to lower the risk of stand loss is to time planting so that emergence will occur after the estimated 50 percent last spring frost date for a given location. Seedling emergence in early plantings will generally take 7-10 days. You can find freeze and frost information for Mississippi locations on WWW.MSSOY.ORG.

Tips for Early Planting:

Select Good Seed: You can ask your seed dealer for seed-testing information or to recommend varieties that have proven germinability and vigor in early planting situations. Do not plant low-quality seeds early; it will not save you money in the long run. If lower-quality seeds must be used, be sure to increase your seeding rate, and most importantly, use an effective seed-treatment fungicide.

Use Seed Treatments: High-quality seeds that have received an appropriate seed treatment to control early-season insect pests and diseases will germinate and emerge. Emergence time may be extended by cold soils, but emergence will occur as long as adequate soil moisture is available.  Using a fungicide seed treatment that is effective against both seed- and soil-borne pathogens is most critical for early plantings.

Go With Group IV Maturity: Soybean varieties grown in the Mid-South generally need 135 to 140 days from planting to maturity to reach full yield potential. MG IV varieties planted early fit this criterion. MG V varieties can also be planted early, but their longer growing season provides no yield advantage, and likely will require more late-season management.

Choose the Correct Seeding Rate: It is generally accepted that seeding rates between 120,000 and 150,000 per acre should be used to attain a final stand of at least 110,000 plants per acre.

Plant in Good Soil Conditions: Make sure the field has the correct moisture conditions before you plant. Plant only when soil has dried enough to allow for proper operation of planting equipment but still has adequate moisture for effective germination.