All Posts from April 2020

There is no doubt that each year growers are testing the limits of early planted soybeans. Although most talk about the risk of disease and frost, insects are also a large factor that could hinder the overall yield potential. Early season insects in soybeans can be an economic issue if they are not taken seriously, but there are a few steps to take to help mitigate a potential loss.
 
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BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – April 20, 2020—A new class of soybean experts are once again ready to provide local recommendations to help Illinois soybean growers increase yields and profits while minimizing their environmental impact. The 2020 CCA Soy Envoy class will contribute actionable information, advice and in-season updates via ILSoyAdvisor.com to support Illinois growers in achieving their goals. 

2020 Class members include: ...

The crops grown in production agriculture have a very high value and achieve optimum yield when they have little competition for resources. Therefore, in most soybean fields we tend not to find much diversity in the vegetation. All of the plants in an 80-acre field can be genetically identical and will taste the same to a hungry pest. All of the soybean plants will also have the same genetic flaws and weaknesses, which opportunistic pests...

We’ve all seen water standing in low spots as we’re driving by fields, but why is the water there? Is there nowhere for the water to go, a clogged drainage tile, heavy traffic area, or could it be compaction from all that water? For the purpose of this article, let’s look at how compaction caused by standing water impacts soybean production.

How does water create compaction?
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We all know that it’s very important to plant soybeans in fields that will allow for their full genetic potential to be expressed. A lot of time has been spent over the winter properly selecting the soybeans, treatments and crop plan necessary to reach maximum yields. However, all great plans can be derailed by a few uncontrollable weather or social distancing events. Don’t allow all the hard preparation to be thrown out of cab for no...
Spring green up and growth of cover crops is occurring and has been for several weeks in some areas. You should consider terminating cover crop stands sooner rather than later, especially if the soil and environmental conditions allow.
 
Even though cover crops reduce soil erosion, improve nutrient capturing and benefit residue management, THEY ARE NOW WEEDS! Complete control of cover crops during the early spring is...

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