Soybean plot
 

I'm interested in planting a small (1 acre) soybean plot in VA. I guess the 1st thing that needs to be done is a soil test. Can I do a soil test now, then add fertilizer/lime if necessary, and still plant the beans in the spring? Can anyone give me some tips/pointers. I don't know much about soybeans and planted a few acre plot a few years ago down at the farm and it didn't do to well. Any soybean tips are greatly appreciated! Or... I could just go w/ clover here instead. The clover has done nicely in the past and it brings deer in. I was just thinking of some variety. What do you all think?

RE: Soybean plot
 

i know the deer love my soybeans. with a 1 acre plot it might not last long if you have a good deer population. i have had great results just disking in the seed and cultipacking after. i would suggest using roundup ready beans and spraying 3-4 weeks later with ru.

RE: Soybean plot
 

We wouold suggest that with only one acre you plant a forage crop like alfalfa or clover. Do the sample now and lime now. Fertilize when planting. Stay away from the salt based fertilizers...

RE: Soybean plot
 

Thanks for the replies. What's cultipacking?

RE: Soybean plot
 

after you disk and plant you run over it all with a machine that covers the seeds and lighty tamps them

you can get the job done with a fourwheeler and plow by draggin the plow across the field prepindicular to the lines made when you disk then just drive around the field slowly to pack it

RE: Soybean plot
 

You have gotten some good replies - It was hinted at but you need to understand that a 1 acre soybean plot may only last a few weeks if the deer population is anywhere near normal.

Soybeans can be good - but a plot of at least 3 acres - and preferrably over 5 acres - may last the whole warm season.

Good luck

RE: Soybean plot
 

I've taken quite a few deer in soy bean fields

RE: Soybean plot
 

I'm thinking of doing a 2 acre patch of clover instead. At first, the beans sounded good, but I know from past experiences the deer tear the clover up. We had beans a few years back, but it looks like the deer prefer the clover.

RE: Soybean plot
 

For the high quality targeted clovers you will need at least a good sandy loam with a soil pH of over 6.0 to 7.0 and a top soil of 8-12 inches or they will not do well. Planting hill tops is not advisable.

RE: Soybean plot
 

The best advice I can offer on clovers is:


Plant with weed control in mind from Day One. A compacted soil, level seeded clover plot will outperform a hastilly seeded - non compacted plot - HANDS DOWN.

Even Still - You Must Mow, you may have to supply P&K, you may have to spray.

General mowing should be enough to maintain a plot once established - If establishing is a problem - then USUALLY PH and/or moisture is the culprit.