Soybean cultivation can be a rewarding and productive experience, as long as the correct techniques are used. If you’re looking to increase your yield and get the most out of your soybean plants, this guide will provide you with invaluable tips and techniques to help achieve success in your soybean growing endeavor.
Soybean Planting Depth
The planting depth of soybeans is an important factor in ensuring successful crop growth. Soil temperature, moisture, type of tillage, and other variables should all be taken into consideration when deciding upon your planting depth. Iowa State Extension advises Iowa farmers to not plant soybeans deeper than two inches. In fact, it is recommended that 1 to 1.5 inches is the ideal depth.
Growing Soybean Basics
To ensure your plant is successful, it is important to understand the basics of soybean growth. Understanding soybean growth and development is important, since the corresponding stage of the crop will directly impact management decisions such as crop damage, pesticide applications, and harvest.
Sow the Soybeans
Sow your soybeans 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) deep into the soil, and space the beans about 3 inches (7.6 cm) apart. Make sure the rows in your garden are about 30 inches (76 cm) apart for ease of access and management. Once the soybeans have been planted, water them until the soil is moist. Be careful not to overwater the beans, as this can cause the beans to crack.
Compost Application and Fertilizer
Adding compost to the intended planting area helps to nourish the soil and your soybean’s roots. Soybean plants do not do well when transplanted, so direct sowing the seeds is the recommended approach. Plant the beans two to three weeks after the last frost date, when the soil temperature is around 60°F, and ensure the seeds are placed 1 to 2 inches beneath the soil surface.
To improve the nutrient content and yield of your soybean crop, it is recommended to apply fertilizer. Soybean fertilizer recommendations, rate and applications, and timings should all be taken into account. Additionally, a soybean nutrient calculator can help you understand the exact requirements for nutrients that your crop needs.
Crop Rotation and Seed Selection
Crop rotation can improve risk management for both crops, and break the cycle of disease, insects, and weeds. The first step to successful soybean planting and harvest is selecting the seed that is most suitable for your soil.
Space and Resizing the Plant
Soybean plants can reach up to 2 feet (61 cm) in height, and therefore planting with small garden spaces is not advised. Make sure that the rows are two to two and a half feet (61-76 cm) apart in the garden, and that the plants are sown 2 inches (5 cm) apart, and 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep.
Harvest and Pest Management
When the plant begins blooming and making seed pods, the growth of the plant shall stop. Small plants at bloom time will not produce well, as optimal pod production per plant should be around 50 pods, each with two or three beans. Soybeans are sensitive to cold weather, so proper timing of planting is key. Plant the soybeans two to three weeks after the average last frost date.
Good management practices are key in the success of soybean growth. Factors that can impact crop growth include seed preparation, variety selection, planting rate, depth, row width, pest management (diseases, pests, and weeds), and plants, nutrition, and harvesting. Adopting the right techniques and methods can enhance soybean production.
Planting Time
Early planting of soybeans gives you an advantage in maximizing your yield. However, good soil conditions are essential for successful planting. Avoid planting when cold, wet weather is in the forecast or in drought-stricken soil. Additionally, narrow rows should be used for soybeans, as these will produce a greater yield compared to 30-inch rows or wider.
To reiterate, when it comes to growing healthy soybean plants, the techniques implemented can greatly impact the success or failure of your crop. This guide should provide you with tips and techniques to ensure successful soybean cultivation and a high-yield harvest.