Defining optimal soybean seeding rates and associated risk across North America

Adam P. Gaspar, Spyridon Mourtzinis, Don Kyle, Eric Galdi, Laura E. Lindsey, William P. Hamman, Emma G. Matcham, Hans J. Kandel, Peder Schmitz, Jordan D. Stanley, John P. Schmidt, Daren S. Mueller, Emerson D. Nafziger, Jeremy Ross, Paul R. Carter, Adam J. Varenhorst, Kiersten A. Wise, Ignacio A. Ciampitti, Walter D. Carciochi, Martin I. ChilversBrady Hauswedell, Albert U. Tenuta, Shawn P. Conley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seeding rate research across North America is typically conducted in small geo-political regions where environmental effects on the seeding rate × yield relationship are minimized. Data from 211 individual field studies (∼21,000 data points, 2007–2017) were combined from across North America ranging in yield from 1,000– 7,500 kg ha−1. Cluster analysis was used to stratify each individual field study into similar environmental (soil × climate) clusters and into high (HYL), medium (MYL), and low (LYL) yield levels. Agronomically optimal seeding rates (AOSR) were calculated and Monte Carlo risk analysis was implemented. Within the two northern most clusters the AOSR was higher in the LYL followed by the MYL and then HYL. Within the farthest south cluster, a relatively small (±15,000 seeds ha−1) change in seeding rate from the MYL was required to reach the AOSR of the LYL and HYL, respectively. The increase in seeding rate to reach the LYL AOSR was relatively greater (5x) than the decrease to reach the HYL AOSR within the northern most cluster. Regardless, seeding rates below the AOSR presented substantial risk and potential yield loss, while seeding rates above provided slight risk reduction and yield increases. Specific to LYLs and MYLs, establishing and maintaining an adequate plant stand until harvest maximized yield regardless of the seeding rate, while maximizing seed number was important with lower seeding rates. These findings will help growers manage their soybean seed investment by adjusting seeding rates based upon the productivity of the environment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2103-2114
Number of pages12
JournalAgronomy Journal
Volume112
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 The Authors. Agronomy Journal published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society of Agronomy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agronomy and Crop Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Defining optimal soybean seeding rates and associated risk across North America'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this