2017
Soybean seeding rate, nutrient input and management intensity interaction studies
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Contributor/Checkoff:
Michigan Soybean Committee
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Field management Nutrient managementSoil healthTillageYield trials
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Kurt Steinke, Michigan State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
1715
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Michigan Soybean Committee
$42,789
Institution Funded:
Michigan State University
$42,789
Brief Project Summary:

Soybean grain yields at low seeding rates have not been significantly different than substantially greater seeding rates. Additionally the number of pods per plant has been significantly greater at lower seeding rates. The lack of significant differences by seeding rate may explain why many nutrient response studies fail to demonstrate statistically significant responses as the population factor overrides individual plant response. As commodity prices are forecast to remain stagnant, lower seeding rates may be one avenue to reduce input costs without sacrificing revenue and may also identify opportunities where soybean may positively respond to nutrient applications.
To optimize plant growth...

Unique Keywords:
#crop management systems
Information And Results
Project Deliverables

Measureables will include 1) plant height and SPAD readings at V3-4 and R5, 2) Soy tissue sampling at R1, and 3) grain yield and moisture. In an attempt to quantify differences in nutrient uptake and partitioning by seeding rate, three whole plant samplings will occur for project #1 above. All studies will be highlighted for summer research tours, discussed at appropriate extension meetings, and results posted at soil.msu.edu.

Final Project Results

The 2016 and 2017 growing seasons did not produce a significant positive response to poultry litter, potassium thiosulfate, foliar micronutrients, or fungicide. In addition, results indicated a soybean intensive management system utilizing prophylactic applications of multiple inputs was not an economic benefit to producers. Data from the 3 site-years of this trial appears to provide continued support for the use of university IPM programs that emphasize both grain yield and profitability. Michigan soybean producers should look to incorporate a management system that utilizes a variety of different techniques (e.g. tissue and soil analysis, crop scouting, prediction models) to minimize and validate input applications to match specific crop needs and maximize profitability rather than applying a combination of inputs as risk insurance.

No single input added generated a significant grain yield increase or positive return on investment

Traditional management on average significantly increased producer return on investment by $213 A-1

Minimal potential for grain yield and economic benefit from intensive soybean management w/o adverse environmental conditions.

Importance of IPM to justify input applications

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.