2023
Interdisciplinary Process-based Approach to Identify Nitrogen Limitations and Increase Soybean Yield and Meal Protein
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Contributor/Checkoff:
United Soybean Board
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Fertilizer/plant nutrientNutrient managementSoy protein
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Montserrat Salmeron, University of Kentucky
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
23-201-S-A-2-A
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
United Soybean Board
$185,606
Institution Funded:
University of Kentucky
$185,606
Brief Project Summary:
The overall goal of this proposal is to deliver management recommendations and novel technology that increase productivity and seed quality, while also ensuring the sustainability of U.S. soybean production. Our previous research found an opportunity to enhance both soybean productivity and seed composition with nitrogen fertilizer applications during seed growth. We also demonstrated that aerial imaging (e.g. with drones) can detect differences in the crop nitrogen status after different cultural practices that affect nitrogen availability, such as cover-cropping. We propose now to quantify if there is an economically optimum nitrogen fertilizer input applied during seed growth that increases soybean productivity and seed protein concentration, as well as the environmental implications of this practice.
Information And Results
Project Summary

Project Objectives

Project Deliverables

Progress Of Work

Final Project Results

Our previous research demonstrated there is an opportunity to enhance soybean productivity and seed composition with management practices that increase late-season N availability. We conducted follow up multi-state trials in 2022 and 2023 to quantify if there is a minimum N fertilizer rate that is efficient in increasing soybean productivity and seed protein concentration. We employed aerial imaging technology to monitor differences in the plant growth and N status. We collected frequent destructive samplings to monitor different tissue growth and composition. We also collated and analyzed soybean yield and seed composition data from eight long-term trials across the US evaluating different rotation, tillage, and fertilizer practices. We will now finalize tissue and data analysis, and utilize data to improve process-based crop model simulations of soybean yield, crop growth and nitrogen, and seed composition. Outcomes from this research will deliver environmentally sustainable management recommendations and novel decision tools that contribute to increasing soybean seed yield and quality.

Benefit To Soybean Farmers

Outcomes from this research will deliver environmentally sustainable management recommendations and novel decision tools that contribute to increasing soybean seed yield and quality. This project is also generating new knowledge and datasets to improve soybean process-based models for simulation of growth, crop N, and seed composition.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.