10 Priority Decisions for Soybean Production
Nowadays, producers are well aware of what they need to do to maximize soybean yield potential. However, reminders that can be checked from start to finish of the growing season may prove useful to pinpoint those areas that require special attention every year.
VARIETY SELECTION. Select varieties based on combination of below factors.
● Proven Yield Potential. Use variety trial information. Click here for MSSOY variety selection tool and here for links to the Midsouth states’ variety trial information.
● Maturity Group. Select based on desired length of growing season and drought and pest avoidance potential. Click here for details.
● Resistance to nematodes and selected diseases. For varietal reaction to pests, click here.
● Herbicide Resistance. For varietal susceptibility to metribuzin, click here. Use Liberty Link varieties as a component of HR (herbicide-resistant) weed management.
TILLAGE. Strive for a minimum/no tillage system. Use fall/spring tillage only where needed.
● For HR weed control. Tillage may be the only available remedy to control some HR weeds.
● To correct soil physical problems. Know the soil type/series to predict physical and/or chemical barriers to expansive root growth.
● Click here for help in deciding on tillage use and type. Use minimum or no tillage to reduce expenses, control erosion, and preserve surface residue.
SPRING WEED BURNDOWN. Apply proper mix of spring burndown herbicides.
● Initial phase of HR weed management. Add residual herbicides for HR weed management in fields with known HR weeds. Click here for details.
● Consider Herbicide MOA. Use burndown and residual herbicides with differing MOA’s. Click here for MOA details.
PLANTING DATE. Select based on the following factors.
● Match to estimated last spring frost date. Click here for details.
● Drought avoidance. Planting early allows avoidance of highest summer temperatures and driest summer period.
● Pest avoidance. Planting early can avoid late season insect and rust infestations.
● Harvest schedule.
SEED TREATMENTS. Select and apply seed treatments based on the following factors.
● Soil pest problems. Select materials that control diseases, insects, and nematodes that pose a potential threat to production in individual fields. Click here for seed treatment materials to use.
● First line of defense. Seed treatments will ensure that the effect of early-season pests are minimized to ensure a good stand and maximum early-season growth.
EARLY-SEASON WEEDS. Manage for early season weed escapes, especially of HR weeds.
● Control soon after planting. Needed to ensure minimum weed competition and maximum yield potential.
CONTROL INSECTS AND DISEASES.
● Especially after R1 in high-yield environments.
● Use thresholds for treatment decisions. Click here for up-to-date information.
IRRIGATION AFTER R1. Use methods to conserve water and concurrently ensure maximum yield potential within water supply constraints.
SAMPLE SOIL FOR NEMATODES. Use to determine presence and species in order to determine control measures.
● Sample in the fall soon after harvest. Click here for sampling protocol.
● Use results. Select varieties with known resistance to present species and race, or plan a rotational cropping system to avoid yield reductions.
SAMPLE FOR SOIL FERTILITY LEVELS. Maintain fertility levels, especially in high-yield environments.
● Sample in the fall after harvest. Click here for sampling protocol.
● Especially needed in high yield environments. Consistent high yields will remove significant amounts of fertilizer elements that must be replaced to maintain the fertility levels needed for continued high yields.
Composed by Larry G. Heatherly, Jan. 2014, larryheatherly@bellsouth.net