By David Holshouser
The decision of whether or not to replant arises every year; however, the wet soil conditions seem to have worsened the problem this year. There of course will be areas that the decision is easy – flooded areas resulting in almost no stand. But, what about fields that just are not living up to your expectations? I’ve seen and heard many reports of stands being reduced 25 to 50% of what was expected (keep in mind that our expectations are sometimes too high).
First, I must mention that final average stands of 60,000 to 80,000 plants/acre rarely profit from replanting. Only when you get below 50,000 can it be economically justified. I refer you to the seeding rate data shown. Note that yield does not fall off until seeding rates fall below 90 to 120 thousand seed/acre (76 to 107 seed/acre on productive soils). Stands generally averaged 75%; so, this is equal to 65 to 90 thousand plants/acre. Once you add in the cost and of and time required to replant, it’s not usually worth it – unless the stand less than this.