Soybean leaf tissue analysis involves sampling the top fully developed trifoliates (three leaflets plus petiole) at first flowering. Take at least 20 trifoliates collected randomly from the area in question. Table 1, Interpretation of Plant Analysis for Soybeans, shows expected values at first flower. It’s important not to contaminate leaf tissue with soil. Do not […]
Compared to corn and wheat, soybeans are more prone to poor stand establishment because the seedling must pull the cotyledon seed leaves through the ground to emerge. Deciding whether it is worth replanting a poor stand can be difficult because plant stand reductions are rarely uniform. Often, it is best to treat parts of a […]
Land rolling helps conserve moisture and prepare a field for harvest. If conditions are very dry, rolling can improve emergence from moisture conservation and better seed-to-soil contact. Rolling can help level the soil and push rocks into the ground, making it possible for the combine header to do a better job. Small yield gains have […]
A seeding depth of 3.8 cm (1.5 in.) is generally a good target depth for soybeans. Seeding depth when planting early into no-till conditions can often be reduced to 2.5 cm (1 in.) if there is sufficient soil moisture. However, due to the high-water demand for germination, plant 1 cm into moisture (0.5 in.), but […]
Soybeans yield well over a wide range of seeding rates and final plant stands. Soybeans will compensate for thin stands, assuming weather conditions allow for strong growth. Higher plants stands are necessary in shorter season areas and clay soils compared to southern regions with lush growing environments. Excessive seeding rates add unnecessary cost and increase […]
Row Width Soybeans thrive under a wide range of row widths, especially in the long-season regions of Ontario. Row width selection is influenced by numerous factors, including tillage system, equipment suitability, weed problems, soil conditions, white mould pressure, and planting date. In Ontario, the majority of soybeans grown are solid seeded (19 cm or 7.5 […]
In recent years double cropping soybeans has become more common. In the past, double cropping was mainly attempted after winter barley or pea harvest in July. Now, double cropping after winter wheat has become more common in southwestern Ontario. Double cropping can be successful if soybeans are seeded early enough with adequate soil moisture for […]
Soybeans are very responsive to crop rotation. Limiting the number of soybeans in a rotation plays an important role in soybean health. It is an essential factor influencing yields, especially in a dry growing season or a year when soybean disease and pest pressure is high. Table 1, Soybean Yield Response to Tillage and Rotation, […]
Soybeans grow well under various tillage systems, including conventional, minimum tillage, and no-till. Approximately two-thirds of the soybean crop in Ontario is grown with minimal tillage and no-till systems. Proper management of the tillage system is as important as the system selected. Field experience has demonstrated similar yields between tillage systems, although a global meta-analysis […]
Sulphur (S) is an essential nutrient necessary for plant growth. In the past it was assumed that soil sulphur supplies were adequate to meet soybeans full yield potential. Since air-borne sulphur emissions have been drastically reduced in the Great Lakes Basin, is it now necessary to feed soybeans sulphur? The simple answer In 2023 three […]
Pre-Harvest Weed Control in Soybeans With many soybean fields turning yellow, the timing for pre-harvest weed control, if needed, is imminent. A pre-harvest herbicide treatment can make harvest more efficient when there are an unacceptable number of weeds in a soybean crop. Drier plant matter will pass more easily through the combine, lowering seed losses […]
Crop Report – June 6, 2024 Field Conditions Significant planting progress has been made in many areas across the province over the last two weeks. Some growers were able to wrap up their corn, soybean and edible bean planting and apply their T3 fungicide applications in wheat. However, those on heavier soils or those who […]
Field Conditions It continues to be a frustrating spring through much of the province. Frequent precipitation has continued to cause delays in tillage, planting, and spraying in some areas, and weather earlier this week has shut down field work once again in many areas. However, with 3–5-day windows of good weather, many producers have covered […]
Crop Report – May 23, 2024 Figure 1. Corn is beginning to emerge across the province this week. Field Conditions This past week, much of the province was able to make some progress on field work. Crop Heat Units (CHU) and Growing Degree Days (GDD) are still well above the five-year average across the province. […]
Field Conditions The season continues to be advanced of normal, which is especially evident in perennial and over-winter crop development. Crop heat units (CHU) and growing degree days (GDD) are significantly above the 10-year average, especially in southern Ontario. Progress for field work, particularly on heavier-textured soils has been limited due to frequent patchy rain, […]