Literature Review
Resistant waterhemp populations are common across Minnesota crop production regions. Waterhemp not controlled significantly reduces yield in soybean by 43-46% (Hagar et al. 2002, Legleiter et al. 2009). Growers are ambitious in maintaining soybean yield potential. Soybean yield and stand can also be impacted by herbicide applications. Grower conversations indicate crop safety concerns related to products such as sulfentrazone, flumioxazin, and metribuzin. Combining safe and economical herbicide applications will provide the greatest value added to the grower. Growers continually look for the opportunity to compare programs and discuss options for weed control. Demand for these demonstration plots among 2021 tour attendees was significant.
Plant health continues to be a topic of discussion. There seem to be exponential options for products to add in-furrow, over the top, and timing of these product application related questions. The farmer seems to be over-whelmed in determining value added products and whether or not they provide a meaningful ROI. A plant health component to the demonstration grant is critical. I have solidified 8 collaborators for 2022 involvement, but already anticipate a successful 2022 grant execution will open the door for greater opportunity and collaboration along the lines of demonstration trials.
Materials and Methods
Weed control studies includes a known ALS and EPSP resistant waterhemp population will be tested near Renville (Lueck 2018). Heavy common lambsquarters present as well. The study area is predominantly Webster-clay loam soil with a history of conventional tillage. Soybean will be seeded at 140,000 plants per acre on 30” row spacings. Each treatment will be represented by a 10 foot by 160 foot strip (4 rows) with running weed checks between plots. Small plot herbicide applications will be done utilizing a bike sprayer with a 4 nozzle 20-inch spaced boom. All treatments will be applied through 110002 AIXR nozzles at 15 GPA. Each company that elects to participate will be given a 10 treatment block planted to genetics of their choice with treatment list developed by them. Next Gen Ag will conduct the trials and sponsor the plot tour in conjunction with MSRPC.
Plant health studies will have soybean seeded at 140,000 plants per acre on 30” row spacings. Each treatment will be represented by a 4 row 160 foot strip. In-furrow applications applied at 5-7 GPA and broadcast applications applied at 15 GPA through 11002 AIXR nozzles. Yield will be taken on plant health studies only. Next Gen Ag will build the plant health studies with entries submitted by industry partners.
Virtual Tour Concept: Brief demonstration will be included when presenting to the board for 2022 research review. Right now, “Prezi” presentations combined with “Loom” video recordings seems to be the most interactive option at this point for a relatively affordable software platform ($500). I will build a set of slides for each 10 treatment block then have the respective company provide a representative to record a video discussing the treatments similar to the plot tour day to include in the virtual presentation. I will be recording questions asked at the plot tour related to these trials and include within context of the slideshow flow to simulate a real tour experience for viewers. Each trial will include the tour video, data table, and overall conclusions in an easy to navigate Prezi presentation.