Overview
Soybeans have become the largest row crop by acreage in the province. Over 1.0 million ha (2.47 million acres) of soybeans are grown annually in Ontario. The year 2014was the frst time that acreage reached 1.21 million ha
(3.0 million acres). The development of early maturing varieties, adaptability to no-till production, a wide selection of herbicides and the relative low cost of production have contributed to the widespread adoption of soybeans.
Glyphosate-tolerant varieties make up about 75% of the crop, while the remainder is non-GMO(genetically modified organism). The demand for specialty soybeans with identity preservation (e.g., foodgrade, non-GMO, organic, etc.) has created marketing opportunities for Ontario beyond the traditional end-use of soybeans for oil production and livestock feed. Ontario is recognized worldwide for its identity preserved (IP) soybean industry. Soybeans are Ontario’s
largest agricultural export commodity.
Tillage Options
Soybeans will grow well under a wide variety of tillage systems, particularly no-till and minimum tillage. Approximately two-thirds of the soybean crop is grown with reduced tillage and no-till systems. In recent years there has been an increased use of conventional tillage and vertical tillage, especially in northern counties. The management specific to each tillage system used is as important as the actual system selected.
No-Till and Minimum Tillage
Field experience and Ontario research trials have shown similar yields between tillage systems; that no-till soybean yields were similar to the fall mouldboard plow in row widths of 56 cm (22.5 in.)or less and in twin rows. See Table 1, Soybean yield response under various tillage systems. Although the yields were comparable between the two tillage systems, no-till input costs were lower and profit was higher. Where single 76 cm (30 in.) rows were used,
mouldboard plowing produced the highest yields. When soybeans were planted in twin rows, soybean yields improved over single 76 cm (30 in.) rows for all tillage systems. In this study, zone tillage showed no significant yield improvement over no-till. Other Ontario research trials have averaged a small yield gain — about 0.13 t/ha (2 bu/acre) for conventional tillage over no-till. In extreme years or unique situations this yield difference can be greater. In general, there is a greater immediate response to tillage in fields with a poor crop rotation compared to a rotation with fewer soybeans. However, over the long term, no-till soybeans yield higher than tilled soybeans, especially in crop rotations with many years of soybeans. A decrease in soil structure, organic matter and overall soil health associated with many soybeans in the rotation would be a contributing factor. Soybeans often benefit from
some form of tillage in poorly drained fields, heavy soil types or compacted soils. No-till soybeans often yield higher than those grown in conventional tillage, especially in dry years or on lighter soil types. No-till systems can be a critical component for producers trying to aggressively manage fields with a severe history of white mould.
Table 1 – Soybean yield response under various tillage systems.
| Tillage | 76 cm (30″) | Twin row – 76 cm (30″) | 56 cm (22.5″) | 38 cm (15″) | 19 cm (7.5″) |
| No-till | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) |
| Fall mouldboard | 2.94 t/ha (43.8 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) |
| Fall strip till | 2.78 t/ha (41.3 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) |
| Spring strip till | 2.71 t/ha (40.3 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) | 2.72 t/ha (40.4 bu/acre) |