The answer depends on a number of factors, and growers quickly need to make accurate stand and potential yield loss estimates to determine the most profitable course of action.  Let’s examine the important factors growers must consider when making replant decisions and provides tools and strategies they can use to help them make those decisions.

When a partial stand exist, the decision to replant is tougher because we need to take into account the expected yield of the original stand and the potential yield of the replanted crop.  The first step in the process is to get an accurate estimate of the plant population to determine potential yield.  There are two common methods for estimating plant populations: counting plants in a row and using the hula hoop method.  No matter which method you use, be sure to count only live plants.  Any plant with a stem broken off below the cotyledonary node is considered dead.  Plants with missing leaves can recover, but stem damage is more detrimental.  Even plants with bruised stems may have difficulty surviving.

After estimating population, use the tables below as a guideline to estimate yield potential based on plant population and planting date.  Remember that soybean yields are most affected by weather conditions in July and August, respectively.  It is nearly impossible to predict in May or early June what weather events will occur in July or August.  Unless you have good reason to believe differently, assume normal weather patterns.

Two important issues for the grower to consider in replanting are: 1) the yield of the surviving stand versus yield of a replanted stand and 2) the cost of replanting versus losses resulting from the surviving stand.  If the decision is made to replant, consider planting the crop in intermediate- or narrow-row widths.  Soybeans planted in mid-June or later flower sooner than normal and do not develop to the same height as soybeans of the same variety planted earlier.  Shorter plants may not close the canopy as rapidly as normal, and plants may not be able to use the available radiation and moisture efficiently to maximize yield.