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Iowa | In a good year there will be no difference. The lower yield in 18's most likely won't stand up statistically over many reps. You had a year with wonderful yields. Is that normal? I doubt it. Different spots in the fields always vary. Did you have a replicated trial? Only one variety? One season?I wouldn't make many decisions based on such a limited test.
Late planting, moisture stress, hail, etc, and the narrow rows will shine. Get a hailstorm July 1st and the 18's will DOUBLE the yield of the 36's.
You also didn't vary the pop'n. Most people would tell you to plant the narrower rows a bit thicker--not a lot, maybe 10%. Actually, I don't do this any more. I plant 15" rows @135,000 if seedbed conditions are good.
Over time, over all environments, the narrow rows will pay you a nice dividend. Good years--nothing. Problem years--they will make a believer out of you.
My experience is NC Iowa. You are further north and should have similar or better results. Mid Missouri and on south there is often no difference. The further north you go, the more narrow rows will pay. | |
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Cut our 18" and 36" beans today
