Five critical factors have a major impact on crop yield: variety selection, soil conditions at planting, planting and input timing, management of diseases and insect pests, and weed control. Making sound decisions around these five points can mean the difference between a disappointing harvest and a standout one. Here’s what to consider when aiming to increase corn and soybean yield potential this season.
Variety selection
When choosing a corn hybrid or soybean seed, look for the following features:
- Yield potential and yield consistency year over year
- Stacked traits for weed, insect pest and disease control
- Maturity groups that perform well for your desired production timeline
- High vigor ratings to ensure optimal germination and emergence rates even in conditions that are less than ideal
Soil conditions at planting
Monitor soil conditions and adjust accordingly to ensure the seedbed is a friendly environment for seeds to thrive. General recommendations for seeding depth (for corn, 1.5" to 2"; for soybeans, 1" to 1.5") are designed to promote germination, uniform emergence, strong stand establishment and good yield potential.
Uneven soil moisture at seed depth is a common cause of uneven emergence, and in turn, uneven emergence can have devastating effects on overall corn and soybean yield potential.
- Saturated, wet soil may lead to seedling rot and eventual death.
- Dry soil may cause dormancy and delayed emergence.
Moisture may be more or less readily available for the seed to absorb during the critical first hours after planting. Monitor and adjust planting equipment as soil conditions change or crop residue percentages fluctuate. Regularly dig up seed to verify it is indeed placed at the intended, optimal depth for your field conditions and that soil moisture at seeding depth is sufficient.
Planting and input timing
They say timing is everything, and timing planting, herbicide and fungicide applications to increase corn and soybean yield potential is no exception to the rule.
The ideal soil temperature for soybean germination and emergence is 77 F and the optimal soil temperature for corn is anywhere from 60 F to 85 F. Planting soybeans before corn may increase soybean yield.
But timing things right for planting is only the beginning. Understanding soybean and corn growth stages, maturity groups and which crop protection applications are most effective at which stage is key to managing yield potential all season long.
Disease and insect pest control
Extended exposure to cold, damp soil conditions means seeds are at greater risk for disease because emergence is delayed and root development is slowed. To help avoid yield reductions due to seedling diseases or early season insect pests, selecting seed with built-in treatment is recommended.¹
For foliar diseases that typically affect crops later in the season (past V6), develop a plan to protect your yield potential throughout the season:
- For corn, Veltyma® fungicide and Revytek® fungicide both offer multiple-modes of action for enhanced plant health and disease control in corn at the V16 to R3 growth stage.
- For soybeans, Priaxor® fungicide and Revytek contain multiple modes of action to guard against disease resistance, offering enhanced plant health and disease control. Applications are recommended at the R2 stage.
And don’t forget to manage those pesky insect pests as the season unfolds. Stay up to date on the major soybean pests and manage the top yield-reducing corn pest threatening your crop.
Weed management
Unfortunately, relying on just one method of weed control is not enough. An integrated management approach that combines herbicidal, cultural and mechanical weed control methods is most effective in controlling weeds, especially tough herbicide-resistant weeds.
Following these five tips can set you on the path to a more productive season. But it takes comprehensive, year-round management to increase corn and soybean yield. Experts are available to help you delve deeper into season-long management decisions. Reach out to your seed retailer, a nearby extension office agent or a professional like your regional BASF representative.
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Endnotes
- Coblentz, Bonnie. “Seed Treatments Protect Crops from Early Harm.” Mississippi State University Extension Service, Mississippi State University, 23 Feb. 2023, extension.msstate.edu/news/feature-story/2023/seed-treatments-protect-crops-early-harm. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.
