What is the estimated yield loss in bushels per acre if there is an average of 14 soybean seeds per square foot on the ground?

The estimated yield loss associated with soybean planting density is a crucial aspect of crop management. In your scenario, having an average of 14 soybean seeds per square foot can indicate a level of overcrowding, which may lead to competition among plants for sunlight, nutrients, and water.

Research generally suggests that optimal planting density for soybeans should be in the range of about 6 to 10 seeds per square foot, depending on various factors such as the variety of soybean, soil fertility, and local growing conditions. When the density exceeds this optimal range, the plants may not thrive as well as they would under ideal conditions, resulting in decreased yield.

The choice that states an estimated yield loss of 3.4 bushels per acre reflects a calculated response to the negative effects of excessive planting density. This figure considers the average decline in yield attributable to the competition experienced at such seed density, aligning with agronomic studies that demonstrate yield reductions in similar scenarios. Thus, an estimate of 3.4 bushels per acre serves as a reasonable approximation for the yield loss that may occur at 14 seeds per square foot, considering the balance between plant health and competition for resources.