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Picking the right maturity and population for double crop soybeans

It’s getting late in the year, but an agronomist says there is still time for some farmers to double-crop soybeans after wheat.

Mike Earley with Seed Consultants says double-crop beans should be planted before July 10 in the central and norther parts of Indiana and Ohio.  “In northern Indiana and Ohio the days are getting numbered in terms of how soon we can get the crop in,” he says.  “If you can follow the combine with the planter – there’s a good chance of getting them in on time and give yourself some opportunity to get some yield.”

He tells Brownfield variety selection is key and producers should choose as close to a full-season variety as they can for their area.  “Because an early bean planted late will stay short,” he says.  “You’ve got to plant something full season to get the height out of them and above the wheat stubble to the sunshine and give them the opportunity to grow, bloom, and set pods.”

Earley says farmers should also adjust their planting populations.  “Increase your population about 40,000 – 50,000 above what you normally plant to make sure you get an established stand,” he says.  “They’ll crowd each other for height and get them up to the sunshine.”

And with normal weather and frost dates, Earley says soybeans should mature before the first frost.

AUDIO: Mike Earley, Seed Consultants