USB's Science for Success Program
The United Soybean Board (USB) sponsors a “Science for Success” program that presents the best management practices for soybean production in the United States. Publications in this series are compiled by soybean Extension Specialists from 17 soybean-producing states in the U.S. This activity is funded by the Soybean Checkoff, and the resulting information can be accessed at the below links. Brief descriptions of the contents of each article are presented, along with links to articles on the MSSOY website that contain information on each topic that is specific for Midsouth soybean producers.
The Soybean Growth Cycle: Important Risks, Management, and Misconceptions. This publication discusses the management options and their associated risks that can be applied across soybean growth stages from emergence through seedfill. Especially helpful are the common misconceptions about and risks associated with specific management practices that are often considered for application during critical growth stages.
Planting Date. Early planting is now the norm for soybeans in the U.S., and this publication discusses some of the additional management practices that are required to reduce risks and gain the intended benefits associated with this practice. Information about early planting in the Midsouthern U.S. can be found here and here. Click here to access recommendations for each Midsouth state that resulted from a Midsouth Soybean Project.
Seeding Rate/Plant Population Density. Soybean seed costs comprise a significant portion of the variable costs associated with soybean production. Since soybean plants, through branching, are capable of adjusting to a wide range of plant populations, producers are encouraged to plant the lowest number of seeds/acre that are estimated to maximize yield. Click here to access a Seeding Rate/Plant Population White Paper on this website that provides guidance for selecting an appropriate soybean seeding rate for Midsouth soybean plantings.
Precision Plantings vs. Random Drop. Results from research indicate that precision planting–i.e. seeding soybean to ensure equal/near equal plant-to-plant spacing–can mitigate a potentially large yield loss at sub-optimal seeding rates. Precision planting should result in increased canopy closure because of the uniform spacing between plants.
Seed Size and Percent Emergence. Results from research indicate that seed mass/seed size should not be a deciding factor for producers when selecting a soybean variety for maximum seed yield and desired quality characteristics. As long as an adequate stand is established, there is no influence of size of planted seed on yield.
Additional Nitrogen (N) and Soybean Yield. Positive effects from N application to soybeans are small and rare, and are highly unlikely to result in a positive economic return. Click here to access a White Paper on this website that provides information about adding N fertilizer to soybeans at any time before and during the growing season.
Economics of Replanting. Replanting decisions should be based on the number of plants present in a reduced stand from an initial planting, and on the economics associated with replanting–i.e., additional seed and other costs associated with replanting, and the lower yield expected from the later replanting. Click here for an article on this website that provides information and guidance for deciding whether or not to replant soybeans in the Midsouth.
Prophylactic Seed Treatments. Click here to access a Seed Treatment White Paper on this website. Keep in mind that both prophylactic fungicide and insecticide seed treatments are added to soybean seed that are to be planted in the Midsouth to protect stands from the detrimental effects of anticipated fungal and insect pests with no expectation of a seed yield increase.
Nodulation and Nitrogen Fertilization. Soybeans with active nodules do not require additional N fertilization even in high-yield environments.
Air Temperature During Reproductive Development. Numerous sources indicate that the ideal daytime temperature for soybean growth is 85°F. Extended periods of temperatures higher than this during soybean flowering can result in pollen sterility and aborted flowers; however, it is normal for soybeans to abort 20-80% of their flowers. Also, since soybeans flower for several weeks, short-term heat stress that causes flower abortion may be of no consequence. It is generally accepted that 1) nighttime temperatures have to exceed 85°F before any noticeable reduction in soybean yield occurs, and 2) heat stress effects on soybean will be exacerbated if such stress occurs simultaneously with drought conditions. Heat stress at the R5 growth stage (beginning seed) has the greatest negative impact on soybean yield because of the resulting fewer seeds per plant and decreased soybean seed weight.
Foliar Fertilization for Increased Yield. Foliar fertilization during soybean reproductive development does not result in increased soybean yield. Click here to access a White Paper on this website that provides details about applying foliar fertilizers to soybeans in the Midsouth, and what to expect from such applications.
Composed by Larry G. Heatherly, Apr. 2022, larryh91746@gmail.com