Soil pH Management

Many published research reports indicate that year, location, and soybean variety all influence optimum plant population. Soybean yields often increase, up to a point, with increasing plant population, although the yield responses are generally small and inconsistent. Higher plant populations can also result in greater mature plant height and subsequent yield losses from lodging.

Little is known about the effect of soil factors such as soil pH on soybean stands. In this study we determined the optimum soybean seeding rates and plant populations at different soil pH levels that reflect the diverse soils of Iowa. Our goal was to develop pH-specific management recommendations for the state.

This study was funded by Iowa State University.

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