Soybeans perform best on soils with pH between 5.8 and 7.5 Soybeans for forage can be planted from early April through June. July planted soybeans will produce limited forage. Keep soil preparation to a minimum. A stand can be obtained with little or no soil disturbance. If there is significant weed cover or wheat stand, a burndown herbicide will be needed and should be applied 2 weeks prior to planting.
Soybeans are excellent foragers for nutrients.
If the soil tests medium to high in phosphorous and potassium or if the wheat crop was fertilized, skip the fertilizer application to the soybeans. Soybeans respond well to residual fertilizer but respond poorly to fertilizer in the year of application. Soybean hay can be difficult to cure and is subject to loss of leaves and to spoilage. Crimping the stems will hasten curing and reduce vulnerability to wet weather. The crop should be cut for hay during good drying conditions.