Maximizing Soybean Profitability
Good day! I hope you are well!
We received a small amount of rain this past week. The high temperature for the past week ranged from 24 to 47 degrees Fahrenheit with an average of 37 degrees Fahrenheit. That average is 7 degrees lower than the 44 degrees Fahrenheit average we should be having. What a chilly week. The forecast for the coming week looks to be above average mostly.
For those of you interested in horticulture, an in person virtual meeting series will take place at the County Courthouse on April 4 and 11, 2021 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Please preregister by calling the extension office at 701-797-3312 or e-mailing jeff.stachler@ndsu.edu. This will be an excellent horticulture series!
We are less than a month away from beginning to plant soybean. Early planted soybeans almost always out yields late planted soybean. North Dakota State University (NDSU) data indicates that soybean yield decreases 0.35 bushels per acre per day for each day planted after May 1st. Early planting resulted in 6.5 percent higher yield compared to late planted soybean. Earlier planted soybean had a higher oil content as well. In other research soybeans planted in early May yielded 8 percent more compared to planting in mid-May. The research showed that there is usually a 10 percent yield loss when planting soybean early.
Choosing the right variety is very important. Choose varieties that fit the agronomic traits for the field. Choose maturity ranges from 0.5 to 0.7. Research shows that yield increases 0.7 bushels per acre for each 0.1 increase in maturity.
NDSU research shows a one percent yield increase with increasing seeding population. Seeding rates of 150,000 to 175,000 seeds per acre increased soybean yield by six percent compared to seeding 100,000 to 130,000 seeds per acre. In eastern North Dakota soybean yields were usually greatest planted in 12 to 14 inches row spacing at a plant population of 170,000 seeds per acre.
Row spacing of 14-21 inches usually increases soybean yield by 4 percent compared to 28 to 30 inch row soybean.
Reduced tillage increases yields by 4 percent compared to conventional tillage.
There is a 5 percent increase in yield if soybeans are planted after wheat compared to being planted after soybean.
Applying a fungicide to the seed increased soybean yield 6 percent compared to having no fungicide treatment.
If soybeans have been grown in a field within the last four years then soybeans do not need to be inoculated. However, if soybeans have never been grown in a field before then double inoculating the soybeans should provide the highest yield compared to single inoculation.
If iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is known to be in a field, then the maximum residual nitrogen rate should not be above 50 to 60 pounds per acre. Factors to reduce IDC include field selection, variety selection based upon NDSU research, not research from another state, use the right iron fertilizer which is ortho-ortho iron, plant a companion grass crop to utilize the residual nitrogen, and increase seeding rate. IDC is usually only found in soils with pH of greater than 7.2.
In-season foliar nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should not be applied unless deficiency symptoms are showing. Many trials across the United States and North Dakota have showed now yield increase from foliar nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers.
Phosphorus fertilizer is only needed if the Olson soil test value is less than seven parts per million and maybe this year with the high fertilizer price, then maybe a value of six parts per million could be used. If the Olson soil test value is between zero to three parts per million then 52 pounds per acre of P2O5 should be applied. If the soil test value is between 4 and 7 parts per million then apply 26 pound per acre of P2O5. Broadcasting the phosphate usually increase soybean yield. Do not put phosphate fertilizer in the row.
In our area if the soil test value for potassium is greater than 151 parts per million then no potash is needed. If soil test is 121 to 150 parts per million then apply 30 pounds of patash.
Have a successful and profitable soybean growing season!
