Blog

One of the things we have learned in the past decade is that soybeans respond to good management. Researchers and private companies have been validating methods and developing product strategies that help drive soybean yield and improve profitability. We now hear of growers who with some planning and effort break 100 bushels per acre—a ceiling we thought was impossible to break.

One of the holdbacks in getting soybeans to yield is that the production practices growers are using are not at the same level as corn. Growers need to realize that soybeans can respond to management as corn does, but that you have to think about the crop differently.

To produce high-yield soybeans, production must start with a strong fertility base foundation.

• Soybeans need fertility in front of the growing crop (not two years earlier).
  
  • Two-year application programs in front of corn don’t leave enough fertilizer for soybeans.
  • Phosphorus, potassium and sulfur are all as important as in corn production.
• Nutrient availability is crucial due to smaller root/soil interaction (taproot vs. fibrous root).
• Soil test values have been decreasing in the Midwest for several years (especially on rented ground), so fertilizing each crop each year is critical.

Remember your initial goal is plant establishment and population is your target.

• Planting enough beans (but not too many) is a wise production AND economic decision.
  
  • Seed cost and competition must be balanced.
• Protecting against seedling diseases is critical (always use seed treatments).
  
  • Less seedling death equals less dollars spent on population.
• Starting nitrogen fixation (free nitrogen fertilizer) with quality inoculants early is yield enhancing.
  
  • Data shows 9 years out of 10 inoculating seed is a profitable decision—taken from two separate land grant university studies in the eastern Corn Belt.
• Low salt starter fertilizer and additives may be beneficial both in yield and stand, especially when soil test values are low and planting early.
  
  • Starter on soybeans? Yes, some trials (independent and university)are showing advantages.
• Insect control (seed treatment or liquid added to starter) may be useful.
  
  • A hotly debated topic—when and where are they needed?

After establishment is complete, protect the plants to protect your investment.

• Soybeans take nutrition from leaves and move those nutrients to the grain, so protecting and keeping leaves increases bushels and test weight.
• Fungicides and insecticides are proven to protect leaves.
  
  • Not all fungicides give green stems.
  • Weigh insecticides’ cost vs. potential bushels lost to reach your economic decision.
• Coverage into the canopy is key (water volume, adjuvants).
  
  • Protect the bottom leaves to keep them on the plant.
• At some yield levels supplemental nitrogen (and other elements) may prove beneficial.

High-yield soybeans require intense management and a plan. This presentation will look at soil management strategies, and foliar nutrition and plant protection practices that not only protect yield, but also increase it.

Come to the ILSoyAdvisor field days on August 2nd in Hinckley, August 3rd in Seymour and August 4th in Benton to hear Helena experts explain how better soil management strategies, foliar nutrition application and plant protection practices both protect and increase yield. To register for an event, click here.