Normal seeding rate Vs. reduced seeding rate

This experimental field was in Marshall County, South Dakota. Soybeans variety AE1000 was planted in 30-inch rows in strips on May 25, 2021. The purpose of this experiment is to compare two different lower seeding rates. Soybean was planted in 30 feet wide strips having two different seeding rates of 130K and 160K seeding rates(normal). This experiment had 3 replications for each seeding rates. Soybean were harvested on October 4,2021. For analysis purposes, the field was classified into three different yield zones: low yield zones (less than 35 bu/ac), mid yield zones (35-55 bu/ac), and high yield zones (more than 55 bu/ac). This analysis was performed for high yield zone.

Overall, there was no significant different in yield comparing two seeding rates (Figure 1 & Table 1). All 3 replications of 130K seeding rate saw reduction in yield by 11.67, 13.27 and 0.95 bu/ac compared to higher seeding rate of 160K. Average yield reduction was 8.63 bu/ac, but it was not statistically significant. By reducing seeding rate famer may can overcome this yield reduction loss by reducing the total cost due to reduced seeding rate. Therefore considering economic aspect also will be beneficial when deciding about the seeding rate of the soybean. More research at multiple sites with more replications are required to better explain the contrast between two different treatments in different environmental conditions.