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Channel Field Check Up
KAYLISSA HALTER
EFFINGHAM, ILL.
Many factors interact to determine soybean yield potential. While some of these are beyond our control, growers can use many ways of proper management to help maximize yield. Assuming a comprehensive weed-control program is in place, there are many other factors to also be considered.
Product Selection. When choosing the best soybean product, be sure to consider the history and characteristics of the field it will be planted in. Selection should be based on the best genetic and trait package available for your desired maturity group while considering factors including standability, disease, and nematode tolerance. Consider inoculating soybeans going into fields that were flooded for extended periods of time in 2013. Those anaerobic environments could have reduced the Bradyrhizobium bacteria in the soil.
Nutrient Management. Soil sampling is an important part of a soybean management plan to determine soil pH (6.5 is ideal) and the amount of soil-available nutrients.
Seed Treatment. Utilize a seed treatment to protect against unforeseen weather events and long periods of soil saturation. Warm and wet soils as well as cool and wet soils have the potential to reduce final plant populations on untreated soybean seed.
Planting Date. The greatest benefit of early planting is an increase in yield potential, which has been attributed to greater crop canopy earlier in the growing season.
Planting Conditions. For germination to occur, plant seed 1 to 1.5 inches deep into a moist seedbed with good seed-to-soil contact. Soybean germination begins when soil temperatures near 55 to 60oF, but it is recommended planting when soil temperatures at seeding depth are in the mid-50s and trending upward.
Row Spacing. Research has shown that using row spacing narrower than 30 inches can help improve yield potential. Narrow rows intercept more light than wide rows; thus closing their canopy sooner and providing more shading of weed seeds.
Planting Population. Higher plant populations can help increase soybean yields. Greater seeding rates are usually required to achieve a higher final plant population which depends on seedbed conditions, planter settings, environmental conditions and pest pressure.
Pest and Disease Control. Insects, diseases and nematodes all can have a negative impact on soybean yields. It is essential to monitor which pests and diseases are becoming problematic throughout the growing season in your area.
Please consult your local agronomic resource for recommendations for your fields, which may include your local Channel Seedsman and agronomist.
http://www.channel.com/agronomics/Pages/Getting-the-Most-out-of-Soybean-Yield-Potential.aspx
Individual Results May Vary. Channel® and the Arrow Design® and Seedsmanship At Work® are registered trademarks of Channel Bio, LLC. ©2014 Monsanto Company.∆
KAYLISSA HALTER: Channel Agronomist
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