Soybean plant population density recommendations across the United States
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Rising production costs and declining commodity prices have compelled farmers to reassess their input and management strategies. Soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr] seed costs, in particular, have continued to increase due to advances in biotechnology, higher‐yielding germplasm, and available seed treatments, accounting for 32–35% of the total operational expenses in current soybean production systems. Optimizing seeding rate is therefore one area of consideration for improving profitability and maximizing return on investment. However, soybean yield response to plant population density is influenced by the combination of several factors, including water availability, temperature, radiation interception, planting practices, and crop growth and development. Unlike many other crops, soybean exhibits high phenotypic plasticity, allowing plants to adjust their growth and yield components (e.g., number of pods and seeds per plant) in response to varying plant population densities. As a result, the literature has shown that soybean can produce comparable yields across a wide range of plant population densities. The objectives of this management guide were to (i) provide an overview of factors influencing soybean yield response to seeding rate and plant population density and (ii) summarize recommendations by land grant university Extension agronomists across soybean‐producing states in the United States.
DOI: 10.1002/cft2.70118
Authors: Giovani Preza Fontes, Carrie Ortel, Emma Macham, David Moseley, Shawn Conley, Chad Lee, Mark A. Licht, Laura E. Lindsey, Haleigh J. Ortmeier‐Clarke, Rachel Vann, Maninder P. Singh, Seth Naeve, Jeremy Ross, Jake McNeal, Michael Plumblee, Shaun Casteel, Eros Francisco, Michael J. Mulvaney, Nicolas Cafaro La Menza, Andre Froes de Borja Reis, Daniela Carrijo, Emerson Nafziger
Institutions: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Virginia Tech, The Ohio State University, Louisiana State University of Alexandria, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Kentucky, Iowa State University, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Arkansas System, Clemson University, Purdue University West Lafayette, Auburn University, Mississippi State University, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of Missouri, Pennsylvania State University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,800
Funder: United Soybean Board
Award: G3506715189
OpenAlex ID: W7155366298