When To Plant Soybeans in Missouri for Maximum Yield

When to Plant Soybeans in Missouri

Soybeans are a staple crop in Missouri, and for good reason. They’re a relatively low-maintenance crop that can be grown in a variety of soils and climates. But when is the best time to plant soybeans in Missouri?

The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including the variety of soybean you’re planting, the soil conditions in your area, and the weather forecast. In general, however, the best time to plant soybeans in Missouri is between April 15 and May 15.

This article will discuss the factors you need to consider when determining the best time to plant soybeans in Missouri. We’ll also provide tips on how to prepare your soil and seeds for planting, and how to care for your soybeans once they’re in the ground.

So if you’re thinking about growing soybeans in Missouri, read on for all the information you need to get started!

Week of Average Temperature Planting Zone
March 15-20 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit 6
April 1-10 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit 5
April 15-20 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit 4
April 25-30 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit 3
May 5-10 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit 2

When To Plant Soybeans In Missouri?

Soybeans are a warm-season crop that require a long growing season to reach maturity. The ideal planting date for soybeans in Missouri is between April 15 and May 1. However, the exact planting date will vary depending on your specific location and growing conditions.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Planting Date

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a planting date for soybeans in Missouri. These factors include:

  • Soil temperature: Soybeans should not be planted until the soil temperature has reached 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This is typically achieved in early to mid-April in Missouri.
  • Air temperature: Soybeans can tolerate a wide range of air temperatures, but they grow best when the temperatures are between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Moisture availability: Soybeans require a lot of water to grow. Make sure to plant soybeans in a location where they will have access to adequate moisture throughout the growing season.
  • Frost risk: Soybeans are susceptible to frost damage. If there is a risk of frost in your area, you may want to delay planting until the risk of frost has passed.
  • Disease risk: Soybeans are susceptible to a number of diseases, including soybean rust, soybean mosaic virus, and bacterial blight. Planting soybeans at the right time can help to reduce the risk of these diseases.
  • Insect risk: Soybeans are also susceptible to a number of insect pests, including soybean aphids, stink bugs, and armyworms. Planting soybeans at the right time can help to reduce the risk of these pests.

General Planting Dates for Missouri

The following are general planting dates for soybeans in Missouri:

  • Early planting: April 15-May 1
  • Mid-season planting: May 1-May 15
  • Late planting: May 15-June 1

These planting dates are based on the average last frost date in Missouri, which is April 15. However, you may need to adjust these dates based on your specific location and growing conditions.

The best time to plant soybeans in Missouri is between April 15 and May 1. However, the exact planting date will vary depending on your specific location and growing conditions. By considering the factors listed above, you can choose the best planting date for your soybeans and ensure a successful harvest.

Additional Resources

  • [Missouri Soybean Association](https://www.mosoybean.org/)
  • [University of Missouri Extension](https://extension.missouri.edu/)
  • [USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service](https://www.nass.usda.gov/)

When To Plant Soybeans In Missouri?

The best time to plant soybeans in Missouri is in early May, after the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Soybeans are a warm-season crop, and they will not germinate if the soil is too cold.

However, it is important to note that the ideal planting date for soybeans can vary depending on your specific location in Missouri. For example, if you live in a northern area of the state, you may need to plant your soybeans earlier than someone who lives in a southern area.

To determine the best planting date for your soybeans, you can consult with your local extension agent or a soybean specialist. They can help you take into account factors such as your soil type, climate, and expected frost dates to determine when to plant your soybeans for optimal yields.

Tips for Successfully Planting Soybeans in Missouri

In addition to planting your soybeans at the right time, there are a few other things you can do to help ensure a successful crop.

  • Choose a variety that is adapted to your growing conditions. There are many different varieties of soybeans available, so it is important to choose one that is best suited for your specific climate and soil conditions. Your local extension agent or a soybean specialist can help you choose the right variety for your needs.
  • Prepare the soil well before planting. Soybeans are heavy feeders, so it is important to make sure that your soil is fertile and has plenty of nutrients. You can do this by adding compost or manure to the soil, and by tilling it deeply to improve drainage.
  • Plant the seeds at the correct depth and spacing. Soybean seeds should be planted about 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart. If you are planting soybeans in rows, the rows should be spaced about 2 feet apart.
  • Water the seeds regularly after planting. Soybeans need a lot of water to germinate and grow, so it is important to water them regularly after planting. You should water them deeply enough to moisten the soil to a depth of about 6 inches.
  • Apply fertilizer and herbicides as needed. Soybeans are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so it is important to apply fertilizer and herbicides as needed to protect your crop. Your local extension agent or a soybean specialist can help you determine what fertilizers and herbicides are best for your specific needs.

By following these tips, you can help ensure a successful crop of soybeans in Missouri.

Monitoring Soybean Growth and Development

Once your soybeans have been planted, it is important to monitor their growth and development to ensure that they are healthy and growing properly.

  • Check the plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases. Soybeans are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so it is important to check the plants regularly for signs of problems. Some common pests and diseases that affect soybeans include aphids, soybean rust, and soybean mosaic virus.
  • Monitor the soil moisture levels and adjust your irrigation schedule as needed. Soybeans need a lot of water to grow, so it is important to monitor the soil moisture levels and adjust your irrigation schedule as needed. If the soil is too dry, the plants will not be able to grow properly. If the soil is too wet, the plants may be susceptible to root rot and other diseases.
  • Harvest the soybeans when they are mature. Soybeans are ready to harvest when the pods are dry and the beans are golden brown. You can harvest the soybeans by hand or by using a combine harvester.

By monitoring your soybeans closely, you can help ensure that they are healthy and growing properly, and that you will have a successful harvest.

Soybeans are a valuable crop in Missouri, and by following these tips, you can help ensure a successful crop. By planting your soybeans at the right time, choosing a variety that is adapted to your growing conditions, preparing the soil well, and monitoring the plants for signs of pests and diseases, you can help ensure that your soybeans will grow healthy and produce a bountiful harvest.

When is the best time to plant soybeans in Missouri?

The best time to plant soybeans in Missouri is between April 15 and May 15. Soybeans are a warm-season crop and need warm soil temperatures to germinate. The ideal soil temperature for soybean planting is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

What factors should I consider when choosing a planting date for soybeans?

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a planting date for soybeans, including:

  • The expected frost date. Soybeans are susceptible to frost damage, so it is important to plant them after the last frost date in your area.
  • The soil temperature. Soybeans need warm soil temperatures to germinate, so it is important to wait until the soil temperature has reached 60 degrees Fahrenheit before planting.
  • The expected weather conditions. Soybeans are a drought-tolerant crop, but they can be damaged by heavy rain or flooding. It is important to choose a planting date when the weather is expected to be favorable for soybean growth.

How deep should I plant soybeans?

Soybeans should be planted 1 to 1.5 inches deep. Planting soybeans too deep can delay germination and seedling growth. Planting soybeans too shallow can expose the seeds to predators and diseases.

How much seed should I plant per acre?

The recommended soybean seeding rate for Missouri is 150,000 to 180,000 seeds per acre. The seeding rate you choose will depend on the variety of soybean you are planting, the soil type, and the expected weather conditions.

What kind of fertilizer do I need for soybeans?

Soybeans are a nitrogen-fixing crop, so they do not need a lot of nitrogen fertilizer. However, soybeans do need phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. The recommended fertilizer application for soybeans in Missouri is 100 pounds of phosphorus per acre and 50 pounds of potassium per acre.

What are the common pests and diseases of soybeans?

The most common pests of soybeans in Missouri include aphids, bean beetles, corn borers, and soybean loopers. The most common diseases of soybeans in Missouri include soybean rust, soybean mosaic virus, and bacterial blight.

How do I control pests and diseases of soybeans?

There are a number of ways to control pests and diseases of soybeans, including:

  • Cultural controls: Cultural controls include crop rotation, tillage, and sanitation. Crop rotation helps to break the pest and disease cycle. Tillage helps to remove weeds that can harbor pests and diseases. Sanitation helps to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
  • Chemical controls: Chemical controls include insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Insecticides are used to control insect pests. Herbicides are used to control weeds. Fungicides are used to control fungal diseases.
  • Biological controls: Biological controls include the use of beneficial insects, bacteria, and fungi to control pests and diseases. Beneficial insects help to control insect pests. Bacteria and fungi help to control fungal diseases.

What are the best management practices for soybeans?

The best management practices for soybeans include:

  • Good soil fertility: Soybeans are a nitrogen-fixing crop, but they still need phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. The recommended fertilizer application for soybeans in Missouri is 100 pounds of phosphorus per acre and 50 pounds of potassium per acre.
  • Proper irrigation: Soybeans are a drought-tolerant crop, but they can be damaged by heavy rain or flooding. It is important to irrigate soybeans during dry periods to ensure that they have adequate water.
  • Good pest and disease control: There are a number of ways to control pests and diseases of soybeans, including cultural controls, chemical controls, and biological controls.
  • Rotation with other crops: Crop rotation helps to break the pest and disease cycle. Rotating soybeans with other crops, such as corn, wheat, or sorghum, can help to reduce the incidence of pests and diseases.

What are the potential yields of soybeans in Missouri?

The average soybean yield in Missouri is 40 bushels per acre. However, yields can vary significantly depending on the variety of soybean planted, the soil type, the weather conditions, and the management practices used.

What are the economic benefits of soybeans in Missouri?

Soybeans are a major cash crop in Missouri. In 2020, Missouri soybean farmers produced over 22 million bushels of soybeans, with a value of over $1 billion. Soybeans are a major source of income for

When to plant soybeans in Missouri is a question that many farmers have. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the expected date of frost, the variety of soybean being planted, and the soil conditions.

In general, soybeans should be planted in Missouri after the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure that the seeds germinate and establish a good root system before the onset of frost. The optimal planting date for soybeans in Missouri is between April 15 and May 15. However, farmers may need to adjust this planting date depending on the specific conditions of their fields.

For example, farmers who are planting soybeans in a field that is prone to flooding should plant their soybeans earlier, as flooding can damage soybean seedlings. Farmers who are planting soybeans in a field that is light and sandy should also plant their soybeans earlier, as this type of soil warms up more quickly than heavier soils.

The variety of soybean being planted is another factor that farmers should consider when determining when to plant their soybeans. Some varieties of soybeans are more tolerant of cold weather than others. Farmers who are planting a variety of soybeans that is not tolerant of cold weather should plant their soybeans later, as this will give the seedlings more time to mature before the onset of frost.

Finally, farmers should also consider the soil conditions when determining when to plant their soybeans. Soybeans do best in well-drained soils that are high in organic matter. Farmers who are planting soybeans in a field that has poor drainage or is low in organic matter should plant their soybeans earlier, as this will help to ensure that the seedlings have access to adequate moisture.

By taking into account all of these factors, farmers can determine the best time to plant soybeans in Missouri. By planting their soybeans at the optimal time, farmers can help to ensure that their soybeans reach maturity and produce a high yield.

Author Profile

Arthur Cook
Arthur Cook
Meet Arthur Cook, the heart and soul behind Plant4Harvest.com. Arthur’s story is deeply rooted in the rich soil of a small American town, where the horizon is wide, and the values of hard work and connection to the land run deep. Born and raised in the quaint town of Elkmont, Alabama, Arthur’s journey in agriculture began in the sprawling fields of his family’s farm, a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee border.

Arthur’s thirst for agricultural knowledge led him to Auburn University, where he majored in Agricultural Science. During his college years, Arthur dedicated his summers to working on local farms, gaining practical experience in modern farming techniques. His academic and real-world experiences combined to give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in American agriculture.

Arthur Cook is more than just a farmer; he is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and a mentor to the next generation of farmers. Through Plant4Harvest.com, he continues to inspire, educate, and engage with a community of individuals who share his love for the land and commitment to preserving it for future generations.