The ability of the germinating soybean seedling to push through a crusted soil decreases with deeper planting. Some varieties are especially sensitive to deep planting. In addition, the cooler soil temperatures at greater depths cause slower growth and decreased nutrient availability. Roots are not attracted to this fertilizer band, so the fertilizer must be placed where the roots will be. Fertilizer placement too near or with the seed can injure the young plant.
Weeds compete with soybeans for moisture, nutrients, and sunlight.
Tillage operations, herbicides, uniform stands, and crop rotations are useful methods for controlling weeds. The rotary hoe is an excellent tool for early weed control before and shortly after the soybeans have emerged . Seed inoculation with Rhizobium japonicum bacteria is generally not recommended unless the field has never grown soybeans, or has not grown soybeans for the past 5 or more years.