The early growth stage of soybeans is a critical period for crop success. Uneven emergence or insufficient ground coverage can lead to reduced yield and increased production costs later in the season. Making timely replanting decisions at this stage helps farmers minimize losses and ensure more efficient use of land and resources. According to the University of Nebraska, timely assessment of crop growth and plant density is essential for replanting decisions and can significantly impact final yield and profitability
Precision agriculture plays a key role in supporting these decisions. By using stand count analysis, farmers can obtain accurate early-stage data on plant emergence, identify thin spots, and evaluate the need for replanting, reducing the risk of yield loss and inefficient resource use.
Practical Use Case: Stand Count for Replanting Decisions
A soybean grower wanted to accurately assess crop emergence in the early growth stage, as visual field inspections were not sufficient. The field was mapped using a drone, and stand count analysis provided an accurate overview of plant density and distribution before making replanting decisions.
Field & Technology Details:
- User: Brillhart Farm
- Crop: Soybeans
- Growth Stage: BBCH 13
- Field Area: 14.38 ha
- Drone Mapping: DJI M3M
- Image Processing: Agremo Platform
- Analysis: Stand Count
Practical Results: Yield Insights from Stand Count
- Planned Seeding Density: ~518,000 plants/ha
- Actual Counted Plants: ~298,010 plants/ha
- Counted Plants: 4,285,393
- Difference: Field is ~42% below target, with approximately 3,163,447 missing plants across the field
Stand Count analysis clearly highlights the difference between planned and actual density, both in percentage and absolute numbers. Visual mapping of gaps and thin spots helps identify areas where replanting would be most effective. The analysis also supports decision-making by showing potential yield loss and estimating costs versus benefits of replanting, enabling data-driven actions.
Replanting Decision: Optimize Yield with Stand Count
If no replanting occurs:
Yield decreases, thin spots are overtaken by weeds, pesticide and herbicide efficiency drops, and resources are not optimally used.
With timely replanting:
The crop achieves optimal plant population, improved uniformity, and better ground coverage, reducing weed invasion and supporting plant development. The economic benefits often outweigh the replanting costs, especially with large deficits like ~42%. Farmers usually look for at least $250/ha in additional return for every hectare they pass through again with the planter. In real terms, replanting the weakest 6 ha of a 15 ha soybean field can deliver around 1.6 t/ha more yield (~10 bushels/acre), adding about $1,500 in revenue.
Data-driven insights ensure that replanting is carried out only where it brings measurable yield benefits, making precision agriculture a powerful tool to balance cost and return on investment. By focusing on the most affected areas, farmers avoid unnecessary costs, maximize efficiency, and secure stronger overall field performance.
Insight from our client: Brillhart Farms
“Stand Count analysis was incredibly helpful! On fields where I used it, I could easily make the right decisions for the next steps. Unfortunately, on fields where I didn’t use the analysis and didn’t replant, I now have weeds in all the thin spots and yield loss due to poor emergence. From now on, I will use Stand Count every time to assess crop status in time.” – Dean S., Brillhart Farms
