Maximizing Crop Production and Profitability through Double Cropping Corn and Soybean Systems in South Carolina

Profitability is critical for farm sustainability, efficiency, and longevity. Over the last decade, corn and soybean commodity prices have fluctuated considerably, and more recently, extreme increases in input prices have narrowed profit margins. Non-traditional cropping systems that can boost profit are becoming of interest to farmers in South Carolina, specifically double cropping soybean behind corn. In this scenario, corn is harvested at high moisture contents and followed by ultra-late planted soybean. However, prior research related to the agronomic production practices of double cropping corn and soybean is minimal. To develop best management practices for growers interested in double cropping corn and soybean, research trials were initiated from 2022 through 2024 to evaluate corn and soybean agronomic production practices, the use of nematicides and nematode resistant varieties on plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) in this system, and the use of an early application of nitrogen fertilizer on ultra-late planted soybean. Results from these studies over three years suggest that growers who are interested in double cropping corn and soybean should plant corn in March, consider utilizing an at-plant granular nematicide, and harvest their corn at high moisture contents. Furthermore, growers should utilize indeterminate MG V soybean varieties planted during the window of July through early August to maximize grain yield and PH. The impact this research could have on farm profitability in South Carolina suggest total gross profit may increase by 28 to 74% per acre compared to growing corn or soybean in a monocrop system, respectively.