Field studies were conducted to determine the effect of common cocklebur interference in early-maturing (maturity group IV) soybean planted in April, May, and July. Common cocklebur density and length of interference did not affect soybean height, canopy width, or node number at any planting date. Removal of common cocklebur 4 weeks after emergence (WAE) prevented reduction of soybean leaf area, stem dry weight, dry leaf weight, dry pod weight, and seed yield. Aboveground biomass for common cocklebur emerging in July was less than biomass of April or May plantings. Common cocklebur planted into soybean 2, 4, or 8 wk after soybean emergence did not reduce soybean yield. Under parameters of this study, planting date was not a significant factor in yield reduction. Interference from one common cocklebur plant per 1.8, 0.9, and 0.3 m of soybean row for 8 wk reduced yields 7, 14, and 30%, and full-season interference reduced yields 16, 33, and 65%, respectively. The Arkansas Weed Management Computer program closely predicted actual yield loss for early-maturing soybean.
