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 4/2/2025

Early Planted Soybeans

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By Dairyland Seed Agronomy Team

Early planting for soybeans has been a much-discussed agronomic topic for several years. Results from numerous university studies along with our own PAR (Product Agronomy Research) plot studies have indicated higher yield potential with earlier soybean planting dates (about 2-3 weeks earlier than normal).

Soybean development is influenced by daylength. Longer days will prolong growth stages while shorter days will rush growth stages. The more time the soybean plant can spend in reproductive growth, the more photosynthate can be produced which is a key driver of setting pods and seeds.

It is very important to note that adequate soil conditions and a favorable weather outlook are necessary to see the benefits of early planting. Making sure conditions are right is crucial with early planting.

Tips for selecting the right time to plant

  • Make sure soil conditions are adequate. Planting into soils that are too wet can cause sidewall smearing, compaction and open seed trenches.
  • Check to make sure the soil temperature is at least 50°F and trending upward.
  • It is not uncommon for early planted crops to take 2-3 weeks to emerge so be sure to use seed treatment with fungicide and insecticide protection.
  • Avoid planting if rain is expected within the first 24 hours with cooler air temperatures. This significantly increases the risk of chilling imbibitional injury.
  • Check the risk of frost/freeze events in the near future. Since the growing point of soybeans is above ground after emergence we need to pay attention to potential freezing temperatures. Cotyledons do a nice job of buffering cold temperatures, but damage can occur at 29-30°F and exposure for more than 4 hours at temperatures less than 28°F can be lethal.

Planting too early or in conditions that are not favorable can result in chilling injury, higher seed mortality, reduced vigor, restricted roots and reduced nutrient uptake. Making sure conditions are right can greatly impact the potential of early planted soybeans.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your local Dairyland Seed dealer, DSM or agronomist.

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