Effect of plant density on irrigated soybeans in southern NSW

Abstract

Key findings •• Averaged across sowing densities Djakal, N005A-80 and P176-2 yielded the highest with 3.7 t/ha, 3.8 t/ha and 3.9 t/ha respectively, while Snowy[PBR] achieved a significantly lower grain yield of 3.2 t/ha. •• Grain yield of Djakal and N005A-80 did not vary significantly between target sowing densities. Both varieties maintained high yields even at the lowest target sowing density (15 plants/m2). •• Lodging was exacerbated at higher sowing densities for all varieties except P176-2, which was consistently low across all sowing densities. •• The length of time to maturity did not vary significantly between target sowing densities for Snowy[PBR], N005A-80 or P176-2. However, Djakal’s maturity length was extended by 4 days at the 60 plants/m2 sowing density when compared with the three lower target plant densities.