16 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 309 



SUMMARY 



T\vent\' varieties of soybeans were tested for \ielcl of hay for the three-^'ear 

 period 1929-1931. In two of these years yield of seed was also obtained. In 

 the fourth year all varieties which had yielded less than 2.5 tons of cured hay 

 were dropped from the test, and six new introductions added. The principal 

 results and conclusions are as follows: 



Generalh- the forage-producing capacity was found to be in an inverse ratio 

 to the seed-producing capacity of the varieties tested, but there were some ex- 

 ceptions. Seed production varied widely according to the season. Production 

 data of both forage and seed should be accumulated through a longer range of 

 seasons before a definite conclusion can be made on this point. 



In the three-year test reported, 11 of 20 varieties averaged 2.5 to 3.02 tons of 

 cured ha\-. The five highest-yielding varieties were: (1) Dunfield, 3.02 tons; 

 (2) Habaro, 2.75 tons; (3) Medium Green, 2.74 tons; (4) Harbinsoy, 2.70 tons; 

 and (5) Virginia, 2.67 tons. The fine stems of Dunfield and Habaro make them 

 preferable for hay. Medium Green and Harbinsoy have somewhat coarser 

 stems. These four varieties also have an erect or suberect growth, a point in 

 their favor. \^irginia is fine-stemmed but decumbent. 



An experiment on depth and time of planting showed that these are important 

 factors in the growing of the crop. In light sandy loams or sands, seeds may be 

 planted as deep as 2 inches without reduction of stand. In the heavy loams, about 

 1 inch is the best depth of planting. Temperature, as governed by time of 

 planting, was found to be important. Seedlings emerged slowly or not at all 

 in cold soils. Seedings may be made from corn-planting time until about July 1. 



Due to a comparatively short growing season, general lack of large areas of 

 tillable land suitable to the use of farm machinery, and general economic condi- 

 tions, the future of the soybean in Massachusetts appears to lie in its capacity 

 to produce high-protein forage rather than seed. 



Publication of this Document .\pproved by Commission on Administration and Finance 

 4M-5-34. No. 1442 



