Planting of the U.S. soybean crop remains behind the five-year average. In fact, Ohio farmers have planted only 26 percent of the intended soybean acres. Farmers in other states such as Indiana and the Dakotas have only about half their soybeans planted. Despite the late season, Dr. Jim Beuerlein, professor emeritus in agronomy extension at The Ohio State University, says growers can still maximize yields and revenue by changing a few cultural practices.

Beuerlein says – the goal of normally planted soybeans is to develop a complete leaf canopy that collects as much sunlight as possible by the time flowering begins. To duplicate this condition in late-planted soybeans, the retired agronomist recommends farmers should use narrower row widths, such as 7.5 inches apart or no wider than 15 inches apart, which will help late-planted soybeans produce a better canopy. Beuerlein also recommends a 20 percent increase in seeding rates. This can help raise the height of the lower pods to minimize the number of pods lost at harvest.

Research has shown that when planting is delayed by three weeks, plant maturity is delayed by only seven to 10 days, so it may not be necessary to switch to a shorter-season variety. Also, applying a fungicide treatment to soybean seed prior to planting will help control seedling diseases and increase root structure and mass to support a faster-growing plant.