Improve Soybean Yields by Adopting Row Spacing of Less Than 30 Inches

If you plant your soybeans in 30” rows, you’re not alone: Many farmers appreciate the ability to use existing equipment and operating practices for a typical corn-soy rotation. Yet a growing body of research points to the benefits of shifting to narrower soybean row spacing.
Among the perks of narrower rows is the potential for better yields made possible through rapid canopy closure, optimized light utilization and better weed management.
Here’s a look at the factors you should consider as you evaluate whether to stick with 30” rows or make the move to narrower rows in anticipation of better soybean yield.

Yield benefits of narrow soybean row spacing

Yield benefits of narrow row spacing are clear in field trials. Even in less-than-favorable fields (those producing under 50 bushels per acre), narrow rows can deliver a soybean yield advantage of between 2% and 12% compared to soybeans planted in 30” rows, according to Midwestern university research trials^1.
In part, that’s because narrow rows conserve soil moisture and reduce erosion, especially in dry years or on fields with a slope.

Enhanced canopy closure and light utilization

Narrow soybean row spacing under 30” can cause the canopy to close up to 15 days sooner than wider rows.² Thus, plants are able to intercept more light, which translates to optimal plant growth.
You should weigh these benefits against potential drawbacks, though. Increased risk for white mold and equipment costs are likely the top two reasons most soybeans are still grown on 30” rows in the Midwest. A denser canopy can put plants at higher risk of diseases such in a narrow-row environment.³ If you are planting a field or section where disease has been a problem, consider using wider rows to mitigate disease threats.

Improved weed suppression

You can gain a decisive edge over weeds with soybean spacing of 15” rows compared to soybean spacing of 30” rows. Narrow rows can cut back on weed density by as much as 42%, reducing weed biomass and contributing to production of fewer weed seeds down the road.
You might also need to use fewer herbicides thanks to faster canopy closure. This rapid closure keeps light from penetrating to the soil beneath, where weed seeds might be buried and might germinate in a wider-row environment.
Another advantage of narrow soybean row spacing is added management flexibility. Whereas 30” rows require you to begin managing weeds earlier in the season, narrower rows can give you between six and 10 extra days on the calendar before major weed threats loom after the crop emerges.⁴ This is due to a 30” row spacing being less competitive with weeds than a narrow row spacing and may require earlier weed control in 30” rows. However, an extra 10 days of waiting to start post emergence weed control, you will have taller weeds and likely less control which may not be a good trade off.

Planting date and soybean row spacing interactions

Early planting will maximize your soybean yield potential whether you’re on narrow or 30” rows. But if you’re planting late, narrow rows typically sit atop the leaderboard for yield potential. That’s because those narrow rows enable plants to soak up all available sunlight more efficiently compared to 30” rows.
You can lose between 0.25 bushels and 1 bushel per acre in yield for every day you delay planting after early May.⁵ Narrow rows can be one tool in your toolbox for mitigating that risk.

Variety selection and soybean row spacing

If you’re considering narrow rows, it’s a good idea to discuss your plans with your local seed rep or extension professional. Different varieties such as high-growth, busy and determinate can respond differently depending on row spacing.⁶

Equipment, soybean planting rate and other operational considerations

If you decide to adopt narrow soybean row spacing, you might need to adjust your soybean planting rate by planting at 10% to 20% higher seeding rates.⁷ That’s especially true if you use a drill or a planter that’s built for (or modified to accommodate) narrow rows. Precision planting technology can help reduce this need.
In cases where narrow-row equipment isn’t available, you might consider hiring custom planting help. This can be cost-effective, particularly if you’re faced with late planting or high weed pressure.
Experts are available to help you make your soybean planting rate and soybean row spacing decisions. Reach out to your seed retailer, a nearby extension office agent or a seed company professional like your regional BASF representative.

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Endnotes

1. Singh, Mandeep, et al. “Does Narrow Row Spacing Help Suppress Weeds and Increase Yields in Corn and Soybean?” CropWatch, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 29 Aug. 2024, cropwatch.unl.edu/2024/does-narrow-row-spacing-help‑suppress‑weeds‑and‑increase‑yields‑corn‑and‑soybean/. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
2. Licht, Mark. “Consider 15‑inch Row Spacing in Soybean.” Integrated Crop Management, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, 22 Feb. 2018, crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2018/02/consider‑15‑inch‑row‑spacing‑soybean/. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
3. Lindsey, L. et al. “Strategies with Delayed Soybean Planting.” CropWatch, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 13 June 2019, cropwatch.unl.edu/2019/strategies‑delayed‑soybean‑planting/. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
4. Lindsey, L., et al. “Timing of Post‑Emergence Weed Control in Soybean.” CropWatch, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 26 June 2009, cropwatch.unl.edu/timing‑post‑emergence‑weed‑control‑soybean/. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
5. Lindsey, Laura. “Soybean Planting Date, Row Width, and Seeding Rate Recommendations.” C.O.R.N. Newsletter, Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team (College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences), Sept. 2017, agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn‑newsletter/2017‑09/soybean‑planting‑date‑row‑width‑and‑seeding‑rate‑recommendations. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
6. Endres, Gregory, et al. “2022: Soybean Response to Row Spacing and Planting Rate.” Ag‑Hub Publications, North Dakota State University, December 2022, www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/publications/2022-soybean-response-row-spacing-and-planting-rate. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
7. Lindsey, L. et al. “Strategies with Delayed Soybean Planting.”