Further into spring

So you read what I had to say about early planting corn.  What about soybeans.  First, there is no research that shows any particular advantage to April planted soybeans.  That said, I know lots of people who planted some or all of their beans and in April in 2010 and yields were tremendous.  I think you are taking a chance on cold and maybe even frost until May 1 or so.  You should consider the weather forecast and make your decision accordingly.  Palle Pedersen a respected agronomist specializing in soybean production says that planting early maximizes the plant's capture of solar energy. 

Another thing to consider is soybean populations.  Again paraphrasing Pedersen, he says his research has shown that populations between 75,000 and 200,000 show little difference in yield.  It looks like an advantage to have an early canopy although recent researchers have shown no particular advantage to rows narrower than 30 inches.  Past research as shown the best yields in no-till drill beans.  I like the narrower spacings, but we have many customers who I consider to be good farmers who are still in 30 inch rows.

The reason population does not make a huge difference is that the plant branches out when there is space available.  I know this from my youth because we always looked for widely spaced plants to take one to the fair for best podded soybean plant.