Evaluation of a Skip-Row Planting System or Plant Run-Over as Management Practices on Full Season Soybeans in Narrow Rows

In recent years there has been an increased interest in narrow row and solid seeded soybeans in Kentucky. Soybeans seeded in narrow rows have an earlier canopy closure which allows a longer time for the soybean plants to intercept the maximum amount of sunlight. The shading effect which results from earlier canopy closure also aids in weed suppression. More farmers are now seeding full season soybeans in narrow rows or solid seeded stands; because cultivation is eliminated, however, some are hesitant to adopt narrow row production practices for fear of inadequate chemical weed control. With the recent increase in effective postemergence herbicides for weed control in soybeans, farmers now have several opportunities to achieve adequate weed control using only herbicides. The objective or this research was to evaluate the effect on soybean yields of leaving skip-rows for equipment passage or of plant damage from running over the soybeans at various stages. In narrow row systems postemergence herbicide application will result in plant damage to those plants run over during application

Row Widths for Full Season Soybeans in Kentucky

Soybean yields in Kentucky have increased steadily in the past 20 years as a result of improved varieties and production practices. To achieve even higher yields new varieties and better production practices need to be developed and tested. One possibility for increasing soybean yields is to plant in narrow rows using varieties which respond to this practice. Although previous research in Kentucky has not shown a yield advantage for full season soybeans planted in narrow rows, researchers in other states have recently shown increases in yield with narrowing row widths. A number of new varieties have also been developed specifically for narrow row plantings. These varieties are shorter, lodge less, and have a high yield potential. This study was designed to answer the question: Will narrow row widths provide higher yields for these soybean varieties when grown under full season conditions in Kentucky