Which factors are instrumental in determining soybean yield?

Selecting the number of plants per acre and the number of pods per plant as instrumental factors in determining soybean yield is well-founded because these directly impact the overall productivity of the soybean crop. The number of plants per acre influences the competition for resources such as light, water, and nutrients. A higher density can lead to increased yields, provided that there is sufficient management of the crop and that the plants can adequately access these essential resources.

Moreover, the number of pods per plant is crucial since it reflects the reproductive success of each soybean plant. More pods generally translate into a greater number of seeds, which contributes to the overall yield. The genetics of the soybean variety and the management practices employed can enhance both the number of plants and the number of pods per plant, thus significantly influencing yield outcomes.

In contrast, while factors such as soil moisture and temperature, seed type and planting depth, or chemical treatments and weather conditions are also significant in a broader context of crop management, they do not have the same direct and quantifiable impact on yield metrics as the population density and reproductive structure of the soybean plants. These latter factors provide a clearer indication of the productivity potential of a planted field.