If you are going to double crop soybeans after wheat, which soybean maturity should be used for your area?

The selection of mid-season maturity varieties for double cropping soybeans after wheat is based on the timing and growth requirements of the soybean crop in relation to the local climate. Mid-season varieties typically have a growing season length that allows them to mature adequately within the limited timeframe available after the wheat harvest.

In areas where wheat is harvested in late spring to early summer, double cropping with soybeans requires a variety that can establish quickly and develop through its growth stages during the warmer months. Mid-season varieties strike a balance between having enough time to grow and mature before the first frost in the fall, while also allowing for optimal yields. This choice ensures that the soybeans can take full advantage of the summer growing season, benefiting from adequate heat and moisture.

Early-maturing and ultra-early-maturing varieties may not fully utilize the growing season, possibly leading to lower yields. Similarly, late-maturing varieties tend to take longer to develop than the window will allow after the wheat is harvested, increasing the risk of frost damage before the soybeans reach maturity. Therefore, mid-season varieties are the most suitable option for achieving a successful double crop following wheat.