Stine® Seed Company agronomists and sales reps continue to field calls from growers pondering replanting. Questions have centered on original planting dates and field conditions when planted, recent weather, and stand counts, as well as herbicide programs and fertilizer applications for replanting. We recently discussed considerations before replanting and provided tips for navigating the tough decision. This week, Stine Field Agronomist Ian Matzenbacher shares his recommendations for when replanting is warranted.
“It’s been an interesting spring. While planting is wrapping up across my region in Illinois and beyond, growers are now seeing areas where emergence and plant stand were impacted by the wet spring. Luckily, there are experts who can help growers get the right answers.”
Ian Matzenbacher, Stine Field Agronomist
In corn
Matzenbacher doesn’t typically recommend replanting corn.
“Most of the time, it’s not economically viable to replant corn,” he says. “Because the growing point of corn is underground until around the V5 stage, the plant should survive in most cases, even when leaf damage is present aboveground.”
He adds half or more of the population must be affected, meaning it either didn’t emerge or the plant is visibly damaged, to consider replanting. If it is warranted, he recommends growers connect with their agronomists to see if planting a few days’ earlier maturity makes sense.
In soybeans
Matzenbacher notes soybeans have more of a threshold for replanting. Specifically, for soybeans planted in April to mid-May that are estimated at 70,000+ population, replanting is not required, as the field should still achieve 90%–95% of normal yield. Soybeans planted in late May to mid-June that are estimated at 50,000+ population should still get 70%–85% of normal yield.
“At this point, replant would hurt more than do any good,” he says.
If a grower decides to move forward with soybean replanting, Matzenbacher recommends using the same maturity, if possible.
“Even if it’s a late-June replant, you should use soybeans that are in the middle of your maturity zone or, if necessary, something a little earlier than your originally planted maturity.”
Matzenbacher also says you should replant soybeans at a slight angle or between the rows in 30-inch rows.
If you’re unsure about replanting, connect with your Stine regional sales agronomist or sales rep. Our experts are available year-round to provide the agronomic support you need in the field.
Sources
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, “Corn Replant Checklist.”
- Purdue University Extension, “Thin Soybean Stands: Should I Replant, Fill In, or Leave Them Alone,” November 2007.
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, “Soybean Replant Checklist.”