Effects of Row Width and Seeding Rate on Yield and Other Agronomic Characteristics of Three Soybean Cultivars

Soybeans have traditionally been grown in rows wide enough to allow mechanical cultivation and to increase lodging resistance. Improved cultivars and herbicides have permitted farmers to obtain yield advantages from narrower rows. The growth response of soybeans to variations in row width and seeding rates depends upon the cultivar and geographic location. “Williams,” “Mitchell,” and “Essex” cultivars were planted at row widths of 18, 36, 54, and 72cm. at seeding rates of 33, 67, 100 and 134 kg/ha in multi-row plots. Data were collected from each plot for seed yield, lodging, plant height, height of lowest pod, seed and population per square meter. Results indicate that soybeans grown in 18 cm. rows produce higher yields than those grown in 72 cm. rows. The only effect on yield due to seeding rates was found within the cultivar Mitchell where intermediate seeding rates produced highest yields. Lower seeding rates were found to result in podding closer to the ground and to cause a decrease in seed size. Row width, seeding rate, and cultivar had no effect on lodging or plant height. Row width and seeding rate had no effect on maturity date