These data support the recommendation to plant early maturing varieties. In summary, this nine-year study of planting date of flax indicates that delayed flax planting will reduce yield potential. Using a hula hoop provides as accurate method of evaluating stands in drilled or narrow row soybeans. Randomly throw the hoop into the field and count the number of soybean plants inside the hoop. Using the table below, multiply your count by the multiplication factor which corresponds to the size of the hoop being used.
Product equals plant population.
Do this a minimum of five times per field. Small grains in the three to five leaf stage can withstand complete defoliation from hail and recover. During this stage the growing point is below the soil surface and will not be damaged. Once the growing point extends above the soil surface it is vulnerable. Damage to the growing point shortly following jointing will result in loss of production from that tiller.