Is planting soybeans in 15-inch rows with split-row planters profitable?
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Results from on-farm research trials and a partial budget economic analysis comparing split-row planters to 30-inch-row planters.
Harvesting the 2019 row spacing trial conducted in Tuscola County. Photo by Mike Staton, MSU Extension.
Many of the soybean acres in Michigan are planted in 15-inch rows using split-row planters. These planters are significantly more expensive than planters of comparable width set up for 30-inch rows and producers want to know if the extra expense is justified. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate how two common row spacings affected soybean yield and income in 2019 and 2020.