Two studies were conducted from 2017 – 2019 at Stoneville, MS the first was to determine optimum seeding rates on single and twin row configuration during both late and early planting dates. The second study was to compare two row configurations with two planting populations (whole plot) but add management strategies (subplots) within each whole plot. From this data, yield optimization could be reached within each system that likely encompasses everything a producer in the Mississippi Delta could encounter during a growing season. Soybean seed from this data was analyzed for protein, oil, and fatty acid composition to determine which systems produce greater seed quality in terms of seed composition. Normal (non-symptomatic) and seed visually infected with purple seed stain (PSS) were compared to determine how infected soybean seed compared to normal soybean seed. Both seed (infected and non-symptomatic) were compared by measuring seed composition, germination, and vigor. During 2018 and 2019 at Verona, MS the same whole plot with subplot test was used but at this location under rained conditions. Soybean grown under rained conditions is a common practice in that particular region of the state (Northeast) so treatments were designed to be useful to producers in that area.

Planting date, seeding rate, soil texture, and row configuration are important factors in soybean production. Each of these factors can impact overall production and yield of soybean immensely. Growers can have difficulty making decisions about how to best manage their production systems with these factors in mind. Therefore, research was conducted from 2019 to 2021 at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS, to evaluate the agronomic performance, yield components, and weed control of soybean planted with different planting dates, row configurations, soil textures and/or seeding rates. Common row configurations utilized in Mississippi soybean production were compared to a triple-row configuration on raised beds. First planting dates occurred from late-April to early-May and second planting dates followed three weeks later. Each row configuration was planted at 320,000 seed ha-1 for agronomic studies. Seeding Rate Study was initiated where triple-row configuration plots were planted at 320,000, 445,000, and 553,000 seed ha-1. Total dry matter (TDM) was determined by removing a m-2 in each plot at soybean growth stage R6.5 and allowing samples to dry down and weigh them. Harvest index was determined by collecting seed from TDM samples and weighing them. Pod node-1, seed number, and node plant-1 were determined by collecting five random plants from each plot and counting the total number of pods, seed, and nodes. Soybean planted on silt loam at the first planting produced lower seed weight, seed number, and harvest index than soybean on clay soil at either planting date. Two row configurations, single- and triple-row, were planted on raised beds for weed control studies. Programs included PRE only, EPOST, LPOST, PRE fb EPOST, PRE fb LPOST, and PRE fb EPOST fb LPOST. Herbicide timings included 7, 14, 21, and 28 DA-crop emergence and each timing was followed by a sequential application 14 d after the initial application. Triple-row configuration had lower plant densities and produced lower yield than single- and twin-row configurations. Triple-row configuration soybean planted on clay soil and at 445,000 and 553,000 seed ha-1 produced greater yield than any other seeding rate or soil texture.

Improved management strategies are needed to increase yield production and quality. The study aimed to determine suitable cultural practices for improved corn production. Experiments were set up at Verona and Stoneville, Mississippi, from 2020 to 2022. Treatments included row configurations (single and twin-row), plant populations (79,000 and 99,000 seeds ha-1), and six combinations of nutrients with or without fungicide. The nutrients evaluated were two nitrogen rates 235 and 314 kg N ha-1, phosphorus 45 kg P ha-1, potassium 112 kg K ha-1, sulfur 22 kg S ha-1, and zinc 11 kg Zn ha-1, and fungicide at 272 ml ha-1. In trial 1 (Addition), nutrients were added incrementally, whereas in trial 2 (Deletion) nutrients were withheld in a stepwise manner. Within nutrient treatments, results were erratic among years and sites. Overall, producers must find a balance in terms of yield and profit by taking soil testing and fertilizer prices into consideration.