Soybean Growth Stages

Soybean pods
Figure 1. Soybean pods collected from stage R7 plants (one mature pod per plant) that were opened to determine if the pod wall interior membrane was still clinging tightly to the seeds (leftmost pod), or if it was beginning to detach from the seeds (second pod), or if the membrane was now permanently attached to the pod wall (third pod). After attaining physiological maturity, seeds undergo a dry-down period from about 60% moisture to about 13% moisture. Note that the Rx.x numbers used here are pod-based stages, not plant-based stages.

Understanding Ending Reproductive Stages in Soybean

August 27, 2021
The timing of the ending R stages in soybean is governed by planting date (PD) and varietal maturity group (MG), though the date of R7 can be hastened if water stress and high temperatures prevail in August — something we are seeing in portions of Nebraska this year.

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Soybean emergence

Q/A: Questions about Soybean Emergence and Stands

May 27, 2021
There are many factors for producers with soybean emergence and stand issues to consider; this article reviews potential causes, identification techniques and management options.

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soybeans in 2003 and 2004
Planting soybean early is critical to maximizing yield. This has been found through numerous University and on-farm research studies in Nebraska and surrounding states.

Understanding the Soybean Germination Process for Early Planted Soybean Decisions

April 9, 2020
Planting is anticipated to begin for many growers in Nebraska the next few weeks. Based on formal research reports showing increased yields, we have recommended early soybean planting beginning mid- to late- April.

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Photo of field comparison of soybean planting dates and maturities at different stages.

Projecting Dates for Ending Reproductive Stages of a Soybean Crop Using SoyWater

October 9, 2019
How did the 2019 growing season affect the date of R7 (PM) in soybean varieties differing in MG (1.1 to 4.1) and planting date in eastern Nebraska? Take a look at graphs showing seasonal vegetative (Vn) and reproductive (Rn) development versus calendar date and compare the data with field photos.

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Weed escapes in soybean after preemergence application
Figure 1. A soybean field in south central Nebraska without preemergence herbicide application. Applying a well-timed postemergence herbicide will be the only control option. (Photos by Amit Jhala)

Consider Application Restrictions of Postemergence Herbicides Based on Soybean Growth Stage

June 19, 2017
It's important to consider soybean growth stage and preharvest interval when applying postemergence herbicides to avoid potential crop injury. This article describes how to determine crop growth stage and includes a table of application restrictions for common postemergence herbicides.

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