Tips for Double-Crop Soybeans

BY Dairyland Seed Agronomy Team

Wheat maturity is trending about 10 days ahead of usual for most of the Dairyland Seed area, with some places already harvesting. This has spiked a lot of interest in possibly double-cropping soybeans after the wheat is off. Here are some things to consider when deciding if double-cropping soybeans is right for your farm:

Adequate Moisture – Is there enough moisture left in the field for germinating and sustaining a second crop? It’s very common to conserve moisture by avoiding tillage and using a no-till drill to plant soybeans into wheat stubble.
Herbicide Rotation Restrictions – Make sure to check the rotation restrictions on herbicides that were applied to wheat to ensure enough time has passed to plant soybeans. For example, a common wheat herbicide like Huskie requires four months before planting soybeans.
Field History of Pest Pressure – Consider any possible issues with fields that have a history of high pest pressure. Smaller plants are more vulnerable to high pressure situations. If you have a field with high soybean cyst nematode pressure, double-cropping soybeans could help increase that population. The same goes for fields prone to high disease or insect pressure. Additional treatments could be needed to help protect the soybeans.

If you decide double-crop soybeans make sense this year for your operation, then here are some management tips to help reduce risk:

Maturity Selection – When deciding on a maturity for double-crop soybeans, the rule of thumb is to stay within your normal maturity range and even to the longer end of your range. Since soybean flowering is greatly influenced by photoperiod, it’s not a great idea to use an ultra-early maturity.
Row Spacing – Narrowing up rows will help push height and yield. Soybeans in 15 inch or 7.5 inch rows will be able to canopy quicker helping to conserve water and control weeds.
Planting Population – Increasing your planting populations by 5-10% will also help drive plant and pod height. Areas with heavy residue can impact emergence so residue might need to be managed to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Planting Depth – Aim for about 1-1.5 inch planting depth, assuming adequate moisture. This planting depth will help with timely germination and emergence.
Scout Often – Smaller plants are more vulnerable to disease and insect pressure. Make sure you are scouting for common diseases like Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, Cercospora and Frogeye. Also keep an eye out for soybean aphids, stink bugs and defoliating insects. The use of a fungicide and/or insecticide could be warranted.

If you have any questions on double-cropping soybeans or specific variety selection please reach out to your local Dairyland Seed dealer, DSM or agronomist.