Cultivating Soybeans after Small Grains for Successive Harvesting

In a fact sheet first published in 2001 by Dr. Jim Beuerlein of the Ohio State University Extension, the practice of double-cropping soybeans following wheat was explored. This guide, titled "Double-Cropping Soybeans Following Wheat," remains a valuable resource for farmers today and can be found on the Ohio State University Extension's official website or agricultural resources related to OSU Extension.

The success of double-cropping soybeans is influenced by several factors, including seed germination percentage, soil moisture conditions, seed-soil contact, and disease pressure. One crucial factor is the planting date, as later planting dates can increase yield due to narrow rows.

For mid- to late-June plantings, the harvest population should be between 130,000 to 150,000 plants per acre. On the other hand, for early-July plantings, the harvest population should be greater than 180,000 plants per acre.

The optimum seeding rate for double-crop soybeans planted in June was greater than 250,000 seeds per acre in 2017, due to heavy rainfall after planting. Conversely, in 2016, the optimum seeding rate for double-crop soybeans planted in July was 213,000 seeds per acre.

Double-crop soybeans are best planted in narrow rows, with 7.5-15 inches of row spacing. Figure 1 shows the partial economic return by seeding rate for double-crop soybeans planted in Clark County, Ohio in 2016 and 2017.

In 2017, the final stand was only 143,000 plants per acre (57% of the seeding rate) due to heavy rainfall after planting. This underscores the importance of considering weather conditions when determining the optimum seeding rate.

In conclusion, the practice of double-cropping soybeans following wheat can be successful with careful consideration of planting dates, seeding rates, and row spacing. Farmers are encouraged to refer to resources like the fact sheet by Dr. Jim Beuerlein for more detailed information on this topic.