No one has yet developed a simple answer to this question, but it is the intent of this publication to present guidelines for choosing a variety for a given set of conditions. Soybean varieties Soybean varieties differ in growth type. Determinate varieties essentially complete their vegetative growth prior to flowering. The main stem ends in a large terminal pod cluster. Indeterminate varieties continue to increase in height for several weeks after they begin to flower.
Height frequently doubles after the first flowers appear.
However, some varieties developed for double cropping in southern Missouri are of this growth type and merit consideration due to their ability to grow taller than determinate varieties in a short growing season. The determinate semi-dwarfs are true determinate varieties but are about half the height of normal varieties. Semi-determinate varieties are 6 to 10 inches shorter than common varieties and add only a small amount of vegetative growth after flowering and podding begin. Flowering periods of both types are slightly shorter than in commonly grown varieties. Most varieties are pure line, but a few are a blend of two or more pure varieties.