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Soybean Maturity by Planting Date Study

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Objectives

  • Evaluate yield response when soybeans are planted 2 or 3 weeks earlier (mid-April to early May) than the current cultural practice at locations across Michigan.
  • Investigate a plausible soybean varietal maturity and planting time interaction.

Study Description

Locations:    4 in 2013
2 in 2014
Locations - Soybean Maturity by Planting Rate Study
Planting Timings:    Normal (mid-May)
Later (late May - early June)
Pioneer® brand soybeans:
Variety/Brand1:   
92Y51 (RR)
92Y83 (RR)
93Y05 (RR)
  • 3 varieties were planted at 6 locations over 2 years across north-central Michigan.
  • Continuous early-season rains prevented the studies from being planted at the intended early timing (mid-April to early May) during 2013 and 2014.
  • Therefore, the study looked at the yield effects of planting full-season varieties at a normal timing versus later in the planting season.

Results

  • The fullest season variety (3.0 RM) had similar yield at normal and later planting timings.
  • Later planting delayed plant development by 1 growth stage, relative to soybean planted at the normal timing (data not shown).
Effect of planting timing on soybean yield. Average soybean yield was 4.3 bu/acre greater at the normal planting timing compared to the later planting timing.

Figure 1. Effect of planting timing on soybean yield.

  • Average soybean yield was 4.3 bu/acre greater at the normal planting timing compared to the later planting timing (Figure 1).
  • The 2.5 and 2.8 RM soybean varieties had reduced yields with later planting (Figure 2).
Effect of variety maturity at normal and later planting timings on soybean yield.

Figure 2. Effect of variety maturity at normal and later planting timings on soybean yield.

Conclusion

  • Planting a full-season adapted Pioneer® brand soybean variety at the earliest practical time extends the duration of reproductive growth, allows soybean plants to take advantage of favorable conditions during the growing season whenever they occur, and will often result in higher grain yield.

1 All Pioneer products are varieties unless designated with LL, in which case some are brands.

2013-2014 data are based on average of all comparisons made in 6 locations through Nov. 21, 2014. Multi-year and multi-location is a better predictor of future performance. Do not use these or any other data from a limited number of trials as a significant factor in product selection. The foregoing is provided for informational use only. Please contact your Pioneer sales professional for information and suggestions specific to your operation. Product responses are variable and subject to a variety of environmental, disease, and pest pressures. Individual results may vary.

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Glyphosate Tolerant    R - Contains the Glyphosate Tolerant trait. Always follow grain marketing, stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Varieties with the Glyphosate Tolerant trait (including those designated by the letter “R” in the product number) contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate herbicides. Glyphosate herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate.
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