If a farmer rolls soybeans, most like to roll their soybeans right after planting. However, this is not always possible.  Sometimes it rains, keeping equipment out of the field, and before long, the soybeans have emerged. Every spring I receive calls about timing of ground rolling.

With the help of my colleagues, five different farmers, and roller reps, we conducted a 3 year study on the timing effects of rolling soybeans.  We rolled right before planting, right after planting, at 50% emergence, 1^st full trifoliate (V1), and 3^rd full trifoliate (V3).  We used the farmer’s equipment and full fields for this research.  Most of our cooperating farmers had smooth rollers, one had a notched roller, and 2 had flexi-coil packers (spiral roller).

All fields had similar results regardless of roller type – they could safely roll to V3 without affecting the yield.  However, the number of damaged plants increased the later we waited to roll.  To lessen the risk to yield, I would recommend rolling no later than V1.  ISU did a similar study where they rolled as late at V6 and they experienced a yield loss.

Tips to remember when rolling emerged soybeans:

Get more information from the University of Minnesota Extension.

More about rolling soybeans:

Challenges and benefits of rolling soybeans

When should you roll soybeans?

Rolling between the rows