The U.S. Soybean Extension Specialist working group (Science for Success) has been intentional about identifying best management practice focuses that will have national impact. In 2020 and 2021, the two collaborative research projects resulted in >10 states participating across the United States for a total of >40 site-years captured over two years. That research was summarized and is available in a variety of formats including publications, videos, and webinars available on the SRIN website in addition to our local Extension channels. Each year, the group collectively identifies two topics to focus research. The two topic areas of focus for this project in the upcoming years were identified as soybean N-fixation (2021 and 2022; previously funded by Iowa Soybean Association) and biological seed treatments (2022 and 2023; focus for this proposal). These trials are now finished and are being summarized now. In late 2023 or early 2024, an additional research focus will be determined for the 2024 and 2025 growing seasons.

1. Generate robust soybean best management recommendations through national collaborative research
2. Distribute high-quality information to soybean producers locally and across the U.S. on emerging best management practices

It is planned to participate in the collaborative USB project and conduct one or two trials as decided upon by the collaboration. The trial(s) will be conducted at the Ag Engineering and Agronomy Research Farm near Boone, IA.

Update:
Iowa collaborations for the the 2024 growing season include field trials investigating soybean harvest timing and soybean desiccation impacts on grain yield and seed quality. The trials will be conducted near Kanawha, IA. Each trial has 2 planting dates and 2 maturity groups as treatments. Harvest timing is targeted for 16%, 13%, and 10% grain moisture. Desiccation timings are at full seed fill, beginning maturity, and no desiccation. Coordinated through the Amplifying Extension Impact: Agronomists Collaboratively Delivering Soybean Best Management Practices project funded by USB there are plans for capturing video and images for illustrating the plant growth and seed quality effects of these treatments.

Updated October 29, 2024:
Soybean harvest and grain samples were collected on the harvest timing and desiccation trials over the course of several weeks from late September to mid-October. Plans are underway for a second-year of the harvest timing trial and 2024 will be the last year of the harvest desiccation trial. Soybean grain samples are being sent to WI/MN (desiccation) and OH (harvest timing) to understand impacts on of desiccation and harvest timing will have on grain quality. Over the winter these results will be summarized and promoted through the Science for Success outreach efforts.

In the last year, the Science for Success team created 5 factsheets (4 are attached) and have created 3 informational videos as well as conducted a 3 webinar series.

View uploaded report

View uploaded report 2

View uploaded report 3

View uploaded report 4

The Science for Success team of soybean specialists have created five informational factsheets (available on SRIN) as well as created three information videos and conducted a 3-part webinar series. These outreach efforts were a result of prior years field trial efforts across the U.S. soybean growing regions. In 2024, two trials were conducted in Iowa through this project. The first was a one-year harvest desiccation trial where a saline solution was applied at R6.5 growth stage. The second was the first of a 2-year trial looking at harvest timing effects on soybean seed quality. Both trials had two planting dates of two different soybean maturities. Results will be summarized and used in Science for Success outreach materials in the coming years.

The economic impact and significance of the outcomes derived from this study will lead to an increased ability for farmers and industry advisors to make better in-season decisions for soybean management. Furthermore, agronomists would be able to learn which soybean growing environments respond to individual management practices to be able to better advise farmers on new or evolving management practices. Overall, this study will lead to continued collaboration between soybean extension specialists from across the U.S., leading to developed of best management practices for resilient productivity and increased profitability in an ever-competitive global market.