Minimizing Soybean Inputs!

Where can a grower cut back on inputs and when is it important to stay the course? Here are a few points to consider.

1. Nutrients

Apply only the nutrients absolutely necessary. In many situations that means no fertilizer is necessary at all. If manure is available, consider using it for soybeans as well as corn ground. While this is not the best use of the available nitrogen in the manure, since corn would utilize it more efficiently, don’t be afraid of applying a reasonable amount of manure for soybeans. Some producers fear that manure will prevent proper soybean nodulation. This only occurs in extremely high nitrogen cases and is not a major concern for most Ontario situations. Each field is unique, but many soybeans receive unnecessary P and K each year. With the exception of Manganese in deficient fields foliar fertilizers have not proven to significantly improve yields.

2. Seed Costs

Consider reducing seed costs. If you’re drilling 7 inch rows, block off every other run. The difference in yield between 7 and 14-inch rows is marginal, but the seed savings can be considerable. If a fungicide seed treatment is being used and field conditions are good, consider reducing seeding rates another 10%. Going to 15 inch rows may also increase emergence if crusting becomes a problem. In heavy white mould years there is the added benefit of increased air movement with wider rows. If buying certified seed, choose smaller seed size lots to make each bag go further.

3. IP

The prospects of IP have been exaggerated by some in the past, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities for additional profit with IP contracts. The key is to take into consideration the yield potential of the variety being grown, the extra costs involved, and the additional risks. Each operation is different, so there are no quick answers to the economics of IP soybeans.

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4. Scout For Rust & Aphids

The days of planting soybeans and forgetting about them until harvest are gone. Whether we like it or not, scouting for disease and pests has become a must for soybeans. Although we were spared an aphid outbreak in southwestern Ontario in 2004, eastern Ontario was one of the few pockets in North America hit with heavy populations. Of 26 side-by-side comparisons, an average advantage of 5 bushels per acre was realized when aphids were sprayed. This was despite the fact that most of eastern Ontario did not suffer from any lack of moisture. That goes to show that even when stress is minimal on soybean plants, aphids can significantly reduce yields. Soybean aphid populations above threshold must be controlled for maximum profits.

5. Variety Selection

Don’t compromise on variety selection. The single most important yield increasing decision you can make is to choose the varieties best suited for your fields. A tremendous effort is spent each year to gather yield data for Ontario varieties. Take advantage of this information. Refer to the 2005 variety trial data.

Related Links:

• 2005 Variety trial data

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