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Information to help soybean producers assess yield losses associated with ponded or waterlogged fields.

Frequent and heavy rains have created waterlogged and ponded areas in many soybean fields in Michigan (Photo 1). The excess soil water is detrimental to soybeans for several reasons and affected producers need to know how to assess any yield reductions that may be associated with the flooded conditions. 

The following factors determine the level of yield loss:

• Duration of saturated soil conditions
• Daytime and nighttime temperatures
• Solar radiation
• Growth stage of soybeans
• Depth of water in relation to plants
• Moving water versus ponded water
• Level of Phytophthora resistance or tolerance of soybean variety

Soybeans require oxygen to respire and produce energy and they obtain their oxygen from the soil. Because water contains very little oxygen, respiration and energy production is significantly reduced in waterlogged or saturated soils. In general, the longer the soil remains saturated, the greater the potential for yield losses. Soil texture, soil structure and tile drainage all affect the duration of the waterlogged conditions. High temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny conditions also increase yield losses as they increase respiration rates and oxygen depletion. More rapid oxygen depletion occurs with larger plants and under ponded conditions.

If areas are waterlogged for two days, yield losses may be minimal. However, waterlogged conditions lasting for four days can cause significant yield reductions. Yield losses can range from 17 to 43 percent for plants in the vegetative growth stages. If the waterlogging continues for six days or more, plants will not recover and will die.

Soil borne diseases may also infect surviving plants after the water recedes. Phytophthora root and stem rot is the most likely culprit because it is favored by wet soils and warm temperatures (Photo 2). There is nothing that can be done to protect plants from Phytophthora at this point in the season. However, varieties vary significantly in their resistance or tolerance to Phytophthora, so associated yield losses will also vary.

Phytophthora rot soybeans
Photo 2. Phytophthora root and stem rot on soybeans.

Saturated soils also reduce biological nitrogen fixation and cause root nodules to die if the waterlogging persists for more than six days. This could lead to further yield losses due to a lack of nitrogen.

Producers should evaluate plants after the water recedes. Look for signs of new shoot growth from the main growing point and any of the existing leaf axils. If saturated conditions lasted for six days, dig up some roots and inspect the nodules. Healthy nodules should be firm and white or reddish-pink on the inside. If they are green, brown or mushy, they will no longer fix nitrogen and the plants may benefit from a supplemental nitrogen fertilizer application during the R1 to R2 growth stages. Information on identifying and responding to poor nodulation in soybeans is available online from Michigan State University Extension.

This article was produced by the SMaRT project (Soybean Management and Research Technology). The SMaRT project was developed to help Michigan producers increase soybean yields and farm profitability. SMaRT is a partnership between MSU Extension and the Michigan Soybean Checkoff program.

This article originally appeared in Michigan State University Extension’s news section and has been reposted with permission.