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