Soybean School: Boosting no-till plant stands without hiking seed rates
Briefly

Soybean School: Boosting no-till plant stands without hiking seed rates
"Soybean emergence directly affects final plant stand and, ultimately, yield. In no-till systems, low emergence often leads growers to increase seeding rates, but higher rates do not necessarily translate into more yield-efficient production if many seeds fail to emerge. Nasielski notes that increasing emergence from around 62 per cent to 80 per cent can achieve the same plant population with fewer seeds, reducing seed costs without sacrificing yield potential."
"A major factor limiting emergence is residue interference and inconsistent seed placement. Research conducted by Javier found that drills tend to show greater variability in seed depth and spacing compared to planters, largely because drills lack effective row cleaners to clear residue from the seedbed. Planters equipped with residue management tools and wider row spacing, such as 30-inch rows, generally produced more consistent seed placement and higher plant stands."
No-till soybean systems often experience low percent emergence due to cooler soils, wetter springs and heavy surface residue. Low emergence reduces final plant stand and can prompt increased seeding rates that may not improve yield efficiency if many seeds fail to establish. Residue interference and inconsistent seed placement are major limiting factors; drills show greater variability in seed depth and spacing compared to planters because they often lack effective row cleaners. Planters with residue management tools and wider row spacing produce more consistent placement and higher stands. Seed left on the soil surface from excessive planting speed or air movement rarely establishes; reducing speed and improving seed-to-soil contact and downforce improves emergence.
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