Objective 1: Replicated field work will be in the 3rd year to evaluate differences in genetic potential of soybean varieties in intensive production systems. Limited research trials have shown that some varieties have responded to whole plant health / intensive management while others have not. Also, we do not know if this response is a result of physiology of the plant, growth habit (i.e. determinate vs. indeterminate), or a difference in response at growth stages (i.e. vegetative or reproductive stages). Another aspect of this objective will be to work with industry to develop novel or more useful field assessment methods of treatments on plant stand, plant growth and development, and yield component testing. All data will be run through statistical programs to determine differences and information will be made available to the public through all available media. Greenhouse and field evaluation of varieties will be conducted. The objective will be to determine if there are genetic differences that affect final grain yield which can be exploited by producers and industry. Samples will be taken throughout the life of the soybean, especially during late vegetative and early reproductive growth stages to determine genetic effects on early growth, yield components such as number of pods, and then final yield. All data will be run through statistical programs to determine differences and information will be made available to the public through all available media. Seventeen varieties have been increased for additional testing next year.

Objective 2: Replicated field work was initiated to determine the BMP’s for using fungicides and insecticides in intensive management of soybean. One of the questions that came up in current commission funded research was whether a producer could use older low-cost products during some stages of intensive management. If low-cost alternatives were not effective or did not contain latest technical advances would they actually decrease the overall effectiveness of the growing system? This research will enable us to develop BMPs that are built on sound agronomic and economic practices. All data will be run through statistical programs to determine differences and information will be made available to the public through all available media. Studies will be harvested in late October or early November of 2015.

Objective 3: Replicated field work was initiated to evaluate some simple practices that I think high yield producers are using to get maximum yield. One of these is the use of products that either stimulate growth, mimic plant growth regulators or are actually plant hormones. Another would be the use of products that stimulate protective responses within the plant that alter their physiology and make them more disease resistant. All data will be run through statistical programs to determine differences and information will be made available to the public through all available media. These studies will also be harvested in November.

Objective 4: Replicated field work was initiated to determine maximum yield potential for soybean within years and across years under irrigation and non-irrigated conditions. Gaps in maximum yield research still exist due to drought in the central plains region of the USA two of the past three years. Soybean were drilled in 7 inch rows and will be harvested in November.

Objective 5. Replicated field work with simple spray additives like sugar and aspirin will be initiated to evaluate their effect on fungicide efficacy and overall health of the plant including growth and disease incidence and severity. In addition trials will be taken to yield and yield components will be determined. . All data will be run through statistical programs to determine differences and information will be made available to the public through all available media. These studies will also be harvested in November.

Objective 6. Replicated field work with added nitrogen will be initiated to evaluate its effect on the plant including growth and plant yield components. There will be two applications made, one early to determine if an early boost in growth is seen and a late application at pod set to determine if we can use nitrogen fertility to increase pod set. In addition trials will be taken to yield and yield components will be determined. All data will be run through statistical programs to determine differences and information will be made available to the public through all available media. These studies will also be harvested in November.

Objective 7. . Replicated field work will be conducted to evaluate an overall package of treatments to determine the most efficient and cost effective system of soybean production. Emphasis will be on controlling overall cost of the whole system. These will include the packages effects on the plant including growth and plant yield components. In addition trials will be taken to yield and yield components will be determined. All data will be run through statistical programs to determine differences and information will be made available to the public through all available media. These studies will also be harvested in November.

Objective 8. Information delivery systems are integral to the use of this data. I propose to not only use traditional and strategic systems like extension but am going to attempt to put information into web based programming to increase visibility and usability to the soybean farmer wherever they are, either in the office or field. The ability to immediately access information is my goal.