Management factors effecting soybean yield and profitability

Even though North Dakota is one of the most densely soybean-planted states, soybean happens to be a relatively new crop for the area. Management factors affecting yield in other high-yield soybean states are not directly applicable to North Dakota. As such, row spacing and seeding rate are critical components in optimizing soybean yield in this new area of growth.

New research in Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management explores the effects of row spacing and seeding rate on soybean yield and profitability in North Dakota’s primary soybean production area.

Results from the study conducted over multiple years and locations indicated narrow row spacings provided greater yields than wide row spacings. In addition, reducing seed costs and seeding rates can be an effective strategy for growers to improve net partial profit although the economic optimal seeding rate will vary based on seed cost and market price.

Taking advantage of state-sponsored seed programs can be an opportunity to maximize profit. However, the practice of increasing profit by reducing seeding rate is promoted with caution, as unexpected environmental conditions can limit profit below that which could be obtained with higher seeding rates.