Count the number of pods on 5 to 10 randomly selected plants within the sample area and average. Determine the pods per acre . Determine the number of seeds per acre. Determine pounds of seed per acre. A better estimate may be obtained from the tag of the seed planted.
Higher numbers represent smaller seed that are more likely during drought.
Determine the yield. Late summer and fall is an excellent time for diagnosing problem areas in the field. Although it is too late to do anything about it at this time, proper identification of the problem will allow one to adjust their management strategies next year. Excess lodging may indicate that plant populations are too high. Diseases can be diagnosed and compacted areas of the field can be determined.