In a recent study conducted by the Iowa Soybean Association, on-farm trial research proved narrow row soybean planting can make a huge difference in yield. The row-width study averaged a 2.5-bushel yield boost from 30 to 15-inch soybean rows on 7 Iowa farms.*
Similar results were shown in replicated trials in N.C. conducted by Dr. Jim Dunphy in Duplin, Johnston and Jones counties in 2012 & 2013. At seven replicated sites yields were compared between soybeans planted in twin rows, 15-inch, and 30-inch rows. For the second year in a row, the twin rows yielding about a 2.5 Bu/A higher than the 30-inch rows and 2.5 Bu/A less than the 15-inch rows, while 15-inch rows averaged about 5.4 Bu/A higher yields than 30-inch rows.
There seems to be a trend with the results of such trials. Will this be the new rule of thumb?
* Winsor, Susan. “Narrow-row Soybeans Win.” Corn & Soybean Digest 1 Feb. 2015: 13. Print.
