soybean pod count

Could someone please explain to me how to count bean pod counts. I've been reading counts of 600 to 1600 per 3ft by 3ft. Obviously thats not in 30 inch rows. How exactly do they do a count?

Thanks all

Farmer

Here ya go, do a little reading, learn alot.


http://www.farmgate.uiuc.edu/archive/2007/07/how_close_can_y.html

http://www.nass.usda.gov/il/1998/9857.htm

whoops, I guess they wont help you much. I cant find the right site page.

Estimating Soybean Yields Prior to Harvest

Remember that soybean yields are best estimated only three weeks prior to harvest.

1. Determine the number of feet of row needed to make 1/1000 of an acre.

Row Width- Length of Row for 1/1000 acre
(inches) (in feet and inches)
6" = 87' 1"
7" = 74' 8"
8" = 65' 4"
10"= 52' 3"
15"= 34' 10"
20"= 26' 2"
28"= 18' 8"
30"= 17' 5"
32"= 16' 4"
36"= 14' 6"
38"= 13' 9"
40"= 13' 1"

2. Count the number of plants in ten different, randomly selected sample areas (for example if you had 20" rows, count the number of plants down a row for 26’ 2" at ten different locations in the field). Calculate the average of these counts.
Average=_____=A

3. Next, count the number of pods per plant on ten, randomly selected plants from each sample area. Calculate the average.
Average=_____=B

4. Now, calculate the pods per acre by multiplying plant population by pods per plant.
A*B=_____=C

5. Calculate the seeds per acre by multiplying the pods per acre by an estimate of 2.5 seeds per pod (or determine the common pod load within your field).
2.5*C=_____=D

6. Calculate the pounds per acre by dividing the seeds per acre by an estimate of 2500 seeds per pound (or figure the average number of seeds per pound based on the average for the variety you are growing).
D/2500=_____=E

7. Estimate yield by dividing the pounds per acre by 60 pounds per bushel (the common average seed weight for soybeans).
E/60=_____=Yield

extra links
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/procrop/sds/index.htm

I cant tell you how to do it but I can tell you its probably a waste of your time. I once was with a Pioneer agronomist looking parent seed just 2 days before they were harvested and his estimate wasnt even close. Too many variables with those darn beans. I'll wait and see what the yield monitor says. Good luck anyway.
bill

Thanks guys,
I just found AgWeb.com last week and they were talking about the bean count. Figured someone would know. Really appreciated your time.

Take care

Farmer