This project will explore the use of non-N fixing and N fixing soybean varieties to identify potential limitations of nutrient status, to develop strategies to improve protein content, and to improve new soybean varieties with high rates of N fixation for increasing yield. Nitrogen fixation potential differs among soybean varieties, and N (and interaction with other nutrients) is critical to maximize both yield and protein. Data from this study will help to understand the tradeoff between yield and protein and help to move forward not only the productivity of this crop but its sustainability over time.

This research aims to 1) to identify potential limitations of nutrient status, mainly nitrogen on yields, 2) to develop strategies to improve protein content, and 3) to improve new soybean varieties with high rates of N fixation for increasing yield. A study conducted by our team already demonstrated that soybeans yields are deaccelerating relative to corn yields. Thus, this research becomes critical to understand the tradeoff between yield and protein and help to move forward not only the productivity of this crop but its sustainability over time. At the end, this project will provide new insights for increasing soybean yields, improve seed quality, reduce environmental impacts and sustainability, and provide greater returns to US farmers.

This project will provide useful information on the overall yield and seed quality impact of early- versus late- planting dates with the effect of nutrition. This project will provide new insights help to understand the tradeoff between yield and protein and help to move forward not only the productivity of this crop but its sustainability over time. All project outcomes will be disseminated in diverse research and extension communication outlets to help Kansas soybean producers for maximizing financial returns and preserve the land and water resources under their control.

This research becomes critical to understand the tradeoff between yield and protein and help to move forward not only the productivity of this crop but its sustainability over time. At the end, this project will provide new insights for increasing soybean yields, improve seed quality, reduce environmental impacts and sustainability, and provide greater returns to US farmers.