Seedling establishment of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a critical factor in production system and cultural practices. The objective of this study was to identify the components of soybean seedling developments encompassing planting dates and cultivars that respond to emergence, early growth stage and dry matter accumulation. Three soybean cultivars, Hwangkeumkong, Shinpaldalkong 2, and Pungsannamulkong, were planted at Baegsan silty loam soil. Planting date was May 13, June 3, and June 24 in 2001. Sprinkler irrigation was accompanied with 30mm after seeding for three planting dates. Soybean seedlings were sampled at the growth stages from VE to V5. Days to emergence of soybean seedlings were taken 8 at May 13 and 5 at June 24 plantings. Emergence percentage was over 90 at three planting dates. May 13 planting took 33 days and June 24 planting was 25 days for reaching V5 growth stage. Cotyledon number was decreased after V2. Significant cultivar difference was found in cotyledon dry weight until V2 which differed in seed dry weights at the planting times. Leaf and total dry weights of soybean seedlings were not differed from V1 to V3 among planting dates and cultivars. Leaf water contents were generally ranged 78 to 85%. Branch was appeared from V4. Leaf/stem ratio among cultivars was similar at five growth stages and gradually increased from 2.1 at V1 to 2.8 at V5. The results based on this experiment indicated that seedling establishment of soybean was continued from VE to V3 growth stages affecting mainly by planting date and soil moisture.

• Rak Chun Seong