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Row Spacing for Soybean

Encyclopedia Article

Row spacing when planting soybean is a management decision that is a priority when looking to achieve high-yielding soybean. Over several years, research across Midwestern states has consistently shown that soybean planted in narrow rows—less than 30-inch—has a yield advantage when compared to rows greater than 30-inches.

The primary reason for this advantage is light utilization; canopy closure is approximately 15 days earlier in 15-inch rows compared to 30-inch rows. Canopy closure earlier in the growing season results in greater light interception and higher growth rates.

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Row Spacing for Corn

Encyclopedia Article

Corn row spacing is important to maximize yield as well as to keep balanced with economic output.

Row widths continue to decrease as time moves forward. The most common row spacing for corn across the Corn Belt is 30-inches. This is compared to 36- and 38-inch row spacing dating back to the 1960s. Over the last decade, there has been increasing interest in 20-inch row spacing. This narrowing of row spacing improved light interception during pollination (VT/R1 stage).

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Soybean Planting Considerations Webinar on February 19

February 8, 2021 10:48 AM
Blog Post

Hear the latest from Extension researchers across the United States who have recently summarized decades of research on soybean planting recommendations. A soybean planting consideration webinar will be hosted by Shawn Conley, Seth Naeve and Rachel Vann on Friday, February 19, 2021 from 11:45am to 12:45pm CST.

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Updated views on corn and soybean planting recommendations

April 1, 2020 10:43 AM
Blog Post

This year let’s all toss out planting windows for corn. Farmers should be focused on when soil conditions are prime to plant. Soil temperatures need to be on the rise; 50oF and rising. Planting 24-36 hours before a cold spell—regardless of how long—is putting your seed at risk of cold injury and reduced germination.

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Scouting Field Basics Workshop

Contact the Field Extension and Education Laboratory Coordinator at extfarm@iastate.edu for questions about field lab programs. BOONE, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering a Field Scouting Basics Workshop on May 16 at the Field Extension Education Lab, near Boone, Iowa.

Corn Row Spacing Considerations

March 12, 2018
corn row spacing graph.

Corn row spacing and plant population have been the focus of many studies throughout the years in an effort to identify ways to increase yields and minimize production costs. Many studies have shown that there was a yield increase going from a 40-inch row spacing to a 30-inch row spacing. Studies had varying results when it comes to less than a 30-inch row spacing. In some cases, row spacing has had no effect on yield whereas others have seen anywhere from a 2-7% increase in yield by narrowing row spacing from the more common 30-inch.

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Consider 15-inch Row Spacing in Soybean

February 22, 2018
graph showing row spacing.

Row spacing is a management decision that often comes up as a priority for achieving high-yielding soybean. Research across the Midwest over several years has consistently shown that soybean planted in narrow rows (<30 inches) has a yield advantage compared to wide rows (≥ 30 inches). The primary reason for this advantage is light utilization; canopy closure is approximately 15 days earlier in 15-inch rows compared to 30-inch rows. Canopy closure earlier in the growing season results in greater light interception and higher growth ra

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Row spacing - corn

Encyclopedia Article

Row widths continue to decrease as time moves forward. Current row widths employed by producers typically vary from 15" to 38", with most producers at 30" today. Yet more and more acres are planted to narrower row widths. In general, this means 15" or 20" row widths. Numerous advantages exist with narrower row widths; these include using the same planting equipment for corn and soybean, reduced weed competition, increased shading of the soil, increased light interception per plant, and less in-row crowding. Plant populations continue to increase every year (400 plants per acre per year).

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