Planting Soybeans in March? Maybe Not
There has been a lot of buzz lately in the soybean world about planting soybeans super early. Is this method of planting soybeans early all hype or is there an actual yield ‘bump’ behind the madness? As farmers continue to push the planting date on soybeans, little research has been done on planting soybeans in March. In pursuit of my master’s degree from Iowa State University, I have chosen to study the planting of soybeans in March. This research project is designed to help identify if there is a yield increase over April-planted soybeans. Currently, the University of Illinois [...]
My Test Results – Ultra-Early Vs Early Planted Soybeans
Ultra-early planting can work but there are risks How early can soybeans be planted and have a yield advantage? Even with a yield advantage there is quite a bit of risk, or so it seems, to planting soybeans early. However, with new technologies on the market by way of seed treatments and varieties built to tolerate earlier planting, the risk of planting soybeans early is getting smaller every year. I began planting soybeans in March, and this time I could harvest them and get yield results. But let’s not start at the end with the results but rather how [...]
Green Stem Syndrome in Soybeans
The words green stem syndrome should shoot shivers down your spine. Generally, most producers have experienced this phenomenon where the soybean plant is fully mature but the stem of the plant remains green, making combining difficult. So, what exactly is green stem syndrome? Green stem syndrome (GSS) is a soybean disorder in which the main stem of the plant remains green after pods and seeds are fully mature. In some cases, leaves can remain attached to the upper nodes of the plant. Last year in the Effingham area, farmers experienced some of the worst GSS I have ever seen. [...]
Soybeans and Nitrogen Management
Soybeans require a lot of nitrogen, but before applying supplement, recognize yield potential and available soil resources. We are getting to the point in the season where you may be considering adding nitrogen to your soybeans. My advice – once your yield potential exceeds more than 65 bushels per acre (Bu/A) of soybeans, I would consider adding supplemental nitrogen. Now, you’re probably thinking to yourself, “Don’t soybeans supply their own nitrogen?” Well, the answer to that question is – it depends. If the yield goal of the soybeans is less than 65 Bu/A, the soybeans typically can produce enough [...]
Symptoms to Look for In July
When scouting fields in July, look for these symptoms. They may be big problems or really no problems at all. As we move further in the growing season and start scouting soybean fields we may see symptoms of disease, insect infestation or environmental conditions. Some are easily recognized while others can be confused with something else. Some symptoms are more uncommon and not seen every year. Below is a guide of soybean symptoms that are starting to become common in this year of uncommon growing conditions. Sunscald is natural phenomena often associated with a swing of approximately 30° F [...]
Spring Weather Caused Havoc on Soybeans, But All is Not Lost
Sporadic emergence of soybeans this spring could cause headaches for farmers all season long. What exactly happened to emergence this season? To answer this question, it’s important to understand factors affecting seed germination. Generally, the soil will dry out to the depth of tillage passes, usually the top 3 to 4 inches of soil. Without rainfall, by the time the planter reaches the field no moisture remains in the seedbed. Soybean germination requires seeds to take up about 50 percent of their weight in water. In the photo provided by Soy Envoy Stephanie Porter (Figure 1) we see the [...]
Strategies for Planting Soybeans Late
What to consider if rain delays soybean planting past May 15. As we progress later into the soybean growing season, you may be asking yourself how to reach the full yield potential for late-planted soybeans. A University of Illinois soybean planting date study discovered that the soybean crop is not able to reach 100 percent yield potential if planting moves past May 10 (Figure 1). However, this is not the time to give up on the crop. Soybeans are amazing plants and can make the best out of bad situation. Here are a few tips to help reach full [...]
Is your planter a money maker or money pit?
Your yield potential is greatest on the day you put the seed in the ground. Your planter plays a significant role in reaching that potential. All planters have one thing in common—they can be serious money makers on the farm if configured and set correctly. At the same time, lack of attention to operational details can cause a train wreck that hampers yields all season. There are some basic things farmers can do to ensure uniform spacing and emergence of soybeans. Follow this checklist to make sure your planter is ready for top-notch performance for the coming year: Level [...]
How early can beans be planted?
When is a good time to plant soybeans, and is late winter too early? One thing that describes winter in Illinois—year in and year out—is it’s just plain cold. Hardly a perfect time to plant soybeans, right? According to a study conducted this year that was just completed, plant soybeans in winter. This planting date study began March 19 (Figure 1); still technically winter, in Montgomery County. The opportunity presented itself because it was considerably dry during this time and field conditions were ideal for spring field operations. When planting occurred March 19, the soil temperature at 4” was [...]
Agronomy: Planting Status Across Illinois
The USDA’s May 15 Crop Progress Report states that 36% of U.S. soybeans have been planted as of May 15. In Illinois only 29% of soybean acres have been planted. Planting progress is behind the 43% reported planted at the same time in 2015. Mike Wilson, Southeast Illinois says: Here in Southeastern Illinois we have planted very few soybeans (less than 5%) and still have most of our corn to plant. As of this writing (May 16) we really need dry, warm weather to try to finish up. We had hail last week that wreaked havoc on some of [...]
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