When is the right time to plant soybeans? Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. Soil composition, temperatures, field history, weeds and pests all impact soybean seedlings. Let’s look at how weather events play a role, too.

Moisture sets the soybean germination process in motion. A soybean seed must take in 50% of its weight in water to initiate germination. If a soybean seed absorbs water for six hours, but then dehydrates to 10% moisture, it can continue to germinate.¹
 

The Temptation to Plant Early

To boost yield, growers have begun to plant soybeans earlier in the season. The traditional approach has been to plant between early and mid-May, depending on your region and soil composition. However, mounting evidence suggests there can be benefits to planting in late April.²

Planting into cold, wet soils also increases the risk of seedling diseases like Phytophthora, Pythium, Rhizoctonia or Fusarium. Early planting can also coincide with high populations of soybean pests like bean leaf beetles. However, applying a seed treatment like Corteva’s Seed Applied Technologies before planting may help protect your soybeans as they grow.
 

Planting Soybeans with Volatile Weather in Mind 

It’s important to plan for the weather as it becomes more unpredictable each year. One U.S. Department of Agriculture study concluded that U.S. growers should prepare for rising temperatures and mild declines in precipitation over the next few decades. For soybeans specifically, this lack of rain and extreme heat is estimated to result in a decrease of 3% yield bu/a.³

Just remember to weigh the risks and benefits of early planting. If the conditions are not right, you are better off sticking to conventional wisdom.

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