ProCrop

Soybean Planting Information for Northern and Western ND

The earliest date soybeans should be planted in the northern and western regions of the state is May 10. Soybeans have "hypocotyl" emergence; which is similar to sunflower. Once the cotyledons emerge, the growing point is above ground. The cotyledon "cracking stage" can handle temperatures of 29E F for a short time; however, if they are killed by frost the plant will die. Soybeans are more tolerant to an early frost than dry bean, but, not as tolerant as sunflower. The optimum plant date for soybeans in the north central and western regions of the state is May 12 to May 25.

An important consideration when planting soybeans is seedbed temperature. The minimum soil temperature for germination is 50EF. At that temperature soybeans will take 17 to 21 days to emerge. Soil temps of 56 to 60E F, emergence will only take approximately 10 days.

The optimum seeding rate is from 180,000 to 200,00 PLS per acre. Research studies at Carrington, Minot, and Hettinger indicate only a 10% higher yield with narrow (6 inch) rows vs 30 inch rows. There is no specific row spacing that is recommended and growers should select a row spacing that works best for them. There is no need to buy specific equipment for the ideal row spacing. Both narrow and 30 inch row spacings have their advantages and there are no distinct advantages between narrow and 30 inch rows.

Direct seeding or no-till planted soybeans is highly suggested in the northern and western regions of the state. Research studies at Minot, Washburn, and Hettinger indicate a consistent 24% yield advantage with no-till soybeans compared to convention tilled (one spring till or one fall till plus one spring till) soybeans. The 24% increase in soybean yield is averaged across many location years and is one of the highest yield increases for all crops. The are many herbicide options to consider with conventional soybeans to allow for successful no-till production. There are many early maturing Roundup Ready soybean varieties that are adapted to the northern regions that would work under a no-till program.

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