Soybean dry down rate before harvest
Soybeans will reach final maturity with high seed water content, moving from 90% to around 60% from beginning of seed filling until final maturity. What factors control the dry down rate in soybeans?
Green stem syndrome in soybeans
Green stem syndrome in soybean is a condition by which the stem remains green while the seeds are mature and ready to harvest. Find out the best management options in this article.
Insect activity update - Alfalfa, soybeans, and wheat
Find out what insects are still buzzing around crop fields in Kansas in this article from K-State Extension Entomology.
Crop management publications updated for 2020: Corn, Soybeans, and Sorghum
Be ready for the 2020 growing season with these three updated crop management publications from the Department of Agronomy and K-State Research and Extension. These comprehensive guides are written specifically for Kansas and contain valuable agronomic information.
Evaluating a new soybean seed treatment to control Sudden Death Syndrome in Kansas
Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is a disease that affects soybeans and is caused by a soilborne fungus. Since there are no varieties that offer full resistance, seed treatments are a common management practice. Read about a recent K-State study evaluating a new product for the 2020 growing season.
Marestail in soybeans: Strategies for the best control
Controlling marestail in soybeans continues to be a big challenge for Kansas no-till producers. Application timing and weed size are critical factors for successful control of this weed that germinates in the fall or early spring.
Key nutrients for soybean production in Kansas
Compared to other summer crops, soybeans remove significant amounts of nutrients per bushel of grain harvested. They need an adequate nutrient supply at each developmental stage for optimum growth. Read more about the key nutrients for soybean production.
K-State recommendations for soybean planting dates and maturity group
Planting date is one of the primary management practices that can greatly influence soybean yield potential. Learn more about the Kansas planting dates and maturity groups for soybeans.
Soybean seeding rates and optimum plant populations
The optimum seeding rate is one of the most influential factors for increasing soybean profitability as seed cost is one of the most expensive inputs. Read more from Cropping Specialist Ignacio Ciampitti in this article.
Effect of row spacing on soybean yield
There are still many questions about row spacing for soybean production. This article summarizes some research from K-State on the effect of different row spacing on soybean yield.
Soybean response to standing water and saturated soils
Recent heavy rainfall in portions of Kansas may have resulted in standing water and/or saturated soil in some locations. These conditions have the potential to negatively impact soybean production. Read more here from Cropping Specialist Ignacio Ciampitti.
Late planting of soybeans: Management considerations
While soybean planting is tracking ahead of last year in Kansas, there are still some areas yet to be planted. What management strategies should be considered when planting soybeans later in the season?
soybeans late planting seeding rate row spacing maturity group
Soybean planting and emergence progress report for Kansas and select Midwest states
The 2020 planting season for soybeans has moved passed half the acreage and is ahead of both the five-year average and the 2019 season due to favorable weather conditions in many Midwest states.
Update: Farmers and custom applicators can spray over-the-top dicamba products through July 31
This article briefly outlines new information from the EPA concerning the cancellation order of dicamba made by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. More information will be coming as it becomes available.
Registered dealers in Kansas can sell over-the-top dicamba product to end users
On Wednesday, June 10, the Kansas Department of Agriculture provided clarification of the impact of the EPA cancellation order for Engenia, FeXapan, and XtendiMax product labels.
Considerations for applications of over-the-top dicamba formulations
It is that time of year again for post-emergent applications of Engenia, Fexapan, and Xtendimax on dicamba-resistant soybeans. In light of the recent court ruling, it is vital that application restrictions are followed closely to prevent non-target dicamba injury to conventional, Enlist, and Liberty Link soybeans.
Identifying nutrient deficiency symptoms in soybeans
This time of year, soybeans may begin showing signs of chlorosis or other leaf discoloration. There may be many causes for this discoloration. Nutrient deficiencies are one possibility. Learn how to identify some of the more common deficiencies in this article.
Plant analysis for testing nutrient levels in soybeans
When crop fields appear variable, producers often wonder if the variability is related to nutrient status. Plant analysis can be an excellent tool for monitoring nutrient levels or diagnosing problems. Learn more in this article.
Status of disease pressure in corn and soybeans
What diseases are cropping up in corn and soybean fields this summer? For corn, most fungicide applications have been made, except for late-planted fields. Soybeans are generally looking good. Read more about what diseases have been found in soybean fields.
soybeans corn disease southern rust gray leaf spot foliar diseases
Estimating soybean yield potential
Many producers like to estimate the yield potential of their soybeans well before reaching the end of the season. This article discusses two different methods for estimating soybean yields at this stage of the growing season.
Understanding soybean seed filling: Contribution to yield
There is still quite a bit of yield to be defined for soybeans in the next month. With most of the crop entering seed filling, weather conditions will be critical with respect to final seed weights.
2021 soybean planting intentions survey - Producer input requested
What are your 2021 planting intentions for soybeans? Do you have 5 minutes to complete a survey to help guide fall and winter extension programming? If so, please complete this survey!
Soybean dry down rate before harvest
Soybeans reach final maturity at a relatively high water content. Dry down rates depends on a few factors such as the maturity group, planting date, and environmental conditions at the end of the season.
Dicamba update: XtendFlex soybeans gain final approval
XtendFlex soybeans gained approval for use in the U.S. for the 2021 season. XtendFlex soybeans allow over-the-top application of glyphosate, specific dicamba-containing herbicides, and glufosinate (Liberty).
Don't miss the 2020 Kansas Soybean Yield and Value Contests
Soybean harvest is well underway in parts of Kansas. Don't forget to showcase your high yields! All soybean growers are invited to participate in the 2020 Kansas Soybean Yield and Value Contests. Read more about how to enter in this article.
Using game theory to understand social aspects of weed management decisions
Game theory is an economic tool that can be used to understand decision making in circumstances where uncertainty exists. This article examines the outcomes when applying game theory to farmers' decisions related to soybean weed management.
Summer row crop disease summary for Kansas in 2020
In general, disease pressure was lower than normal for corn, soybeans, and grain sorghum. The dry weather at critical growth periods contributed to lower incidences of yield-limiting diseases. Read more in this article from Extension Plant Pathology.
Two new soybean publications are available online
Two soybean publications have been released and are available online. Kansas Soybean Management has been updated for 2021. Also, a new study on the relationship between yield and soybean seed composition is also available.
Soybean seedling diseases webinar series to begin on Feb. 23
Soybean planting is around the corner and the best time to protect against seedling diseases is prior to planting! A series of free webinars that will cover soybean seedling diseases and the latest information on fungicide resistance. See this article for more details.
Marestail in soybeans: Strategies for the best control
Controlling marestail in soybeans continues to be a big challenge for Kansas no-till producers. Learn about early spring, pre-plant, and post-emergence options for treatment in this article from Extension Weed Science Specialist, Dr. Sarah Lancaster.
soybeans weed control pre-plant herbicide marestail post-emergence
Key nutrients for soybean production in Kansas
Soybeans, particularly high-yielding varieties, remove significant amounts of available soil nutrients per bushel of grain harvested. As the crop matures, adequate amounts are needed in each growth stage. Learn which nutrients are the most critical to soybean production in Kansas.
Soybean seed treatments: Avoiding seedling diseases
As farmers start planting soybeans in Kansas, it is important to consider common causes of seedling damping off and potential management strategies. Learn about the main soybean seedling diseases and what seed treatments are effective in this article.
K-State recommendations for soybean planting dates and maturity group
Soybeans can be planted over a wide range of dates with adequate soil moisture conditions, although germination and emergence could be reduced and/or delayed in when soil temperature is less than 60°F. Recommended maturity groups vary by region in Kansas.
Soybean seeding rates and optimum plant populations
The optimum seeding rate is one of the most influential factors for increasing soybean profitability as seed cost is one of the most expensive inputs. Yield potential for each environment should be consider when deciding soybean seeding rates.
Effect of row spacing on soybean yield
There are still some questions about row spacing for soybean production. Some benefits of narrow rows include improved weed control and reduced erosion. Do narrow rows improve yield? What effect does the yield environment have on the yield response to narrow rows? Find out more in this article.
Inoculating soybeans is a good insurance policy
When planting soybeans in Kansas, it may be a good insurance policy to inoculate the seed. There are several reasons why soybean inoculation is a good idea. Learn more about the benefits in this article.
Several factors affect successful soybean inoculation and nodulation
If soybean plants appear nitrogen deficient despite being inoculated, this probably indicates that the inoculant failed. Learn how to assess nodulation of soybean roots in the field and what factors can cause poor nodulation.
Soybean response to standing water and saturated soils
Soybean planting is well under way in Kansas. However, in many parts of the state, soybeans have gotten off to a very slow start, constrained by rain events and wet soil conditions. What effect with saturated soils have on soybean emergence and early growth?
soybeans disease flooded fields saturated soils seedling diseases
Late planting of soybeans: Management considerations
In areas where soybean planting has been delayed or in double crop systems, producers should consider a few key management practices. Planting soybeans in the right soil conditions is essential for establishing an adequate canopy and improving chances to increase yield potential.
Cut-off dates for XtendiMax, Engenia, and Tavium applications
Don't forget that the 2021 labels for over-the-top applications of herbicides containing dicamba have cut-off dates. For soybeans, this cut-off is just around the corner. Applications to cotton have a few weeks longer. Read more in this short article from Sarah Lancaster.
soybeans dicamba label requirements cotton herbicide application dicamba-resistant
Identifying nutrient deficiency symptoms in soybeans
This time of year, soybeans may begin showing signs of chlorosis or other leaf discoloration. There may be many causes of discoloration. Nutrient deficiencies are one possibility. Learn more in this article from soil fertility specialist, Dorivar Ruiz Diaz.
Estimating soybean yield potential
Many producers like to estimate the yield potential of their soybeans well before reaching the end of the season. Estimating final yield in soybeans before harvest can be a tedious task, but a simplified method can be used for just a basic yield estimate.
2021 Kansas Soybean Yield and Value Contests
The Kansas Soybean Association is calling all soybean farmers in Kansas to enter their competitive soybean crop into the Kansas Soybean Yield Contest by December 1. The Kansas Soybean Value Contest that analyzes protein, oil, and other soybean qualities is also open for entries.
Tips on scouting for Dectes stem borer in soybeans
The Dectes stem borer is native to Kansas and can infest soybeans. Insect damage to the stem makes the plant very susceptible to lodging, which may result in harvest losses. Scouting for Dectes while the soybeans are still green can assist in helping avoid more yield loss at harvest.
Soybean dry down rate before harvest
Soybeans will reach final maturity with high seed water content, moving from 90% to around 60% from beginning of seed filling until final maturity. The dry down rate depends on a few factors including maturity group, planting date, and weather conditions.
Free soybean cyst nematode testing is available from the K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
Soybean cyst nematode is a major problem in soybean fields throughout eastern and central Kansas. The K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab is now offering free soybean cyst nematode testing for Kansas producers while funding lasts. After soybean harvest is a great time to sample your fields.
soybeans soybean cyst nematode soil testing disease Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
2021 Kansas Soybean Yield and Value Contests
Soybean farmers across Kansas are encouraged to enter their competitive soybean crop into the Kansas Soybean Yield Contest by December 1. The statewide Kansas Soybean Value Contest that analyzes protein, oil and other soybean qualities is also open for entries. Learn more about these contests in this article.
Save the Date: K-State Soybean Schools scheduled for late January and early February
Save the date for one of the K-State 2022 Soybean Schools! A series of six schools, sponsored by the Kansas Soybean Commission, are scheduled at locations across the state in late January/early February. Agendas for each location will be released soon. Get registered today!
K-State Soybean Schools scheduled for late January and early February
A series of six K-State Soybean Production Schools will be offered in late January and early February to provide in-depth training targeted for soybean producers and key-stakeholders. The schools will be sponsored by the Kansas Soybean Commission. Get registered today!
Corn and soybean management publications updated for 2022
K-State Research and Extension has recently released two updated publications for the 2022 growing season: Kansas Corn Management and Kansas Soybean Management. These comprehensive guides are written specifically for Kansas and offer valuable, up-to-date information.
K-State Soybean Schools scheduled for late January and early February
There is still time to get registered to attend a Soybean School near you! A series of six K-State Soybean Production Schools will be offered in late January and early February. The schools will cover a number of issues facing soybean growers .
2021 Kansas Performance Tests with Soybean Varieties report now available
The 2021 Kansas Performance Tests with Soybean Varieties report is now online and in print form. Producers, crop consultants, and others can use this resource to help select soybean varieties for their operation by checking for varieties that show a consistently good performance in their region.
Marestail in soybeans: Strategies for the best control
Controlling marestail in soybeans continues to be a big challenge for Kansas no-till producers. Application timing and weed size are critical factors for successful control of this weed that germinates in the fall or early spring. Learn more about the best options for spring applications to control marestail in soybeans.
Soybean planting date and maturity group selection
This 2022 season, soybean acreage projections in Kansas are up. To maximize yields, there are some key practices we cannot overlook. This article presents some tips on selecting the best i) planting date and ii) maturity group across Kansas. After considering the effects of genetic yield potential and the environment, planting date is one of the primary management practices under the farmer’s control that can highly influence soybean yields.
Considerations on adjusting seeding rate for soybeans
Soybeans acreage projections in Kansas are up 3% this season over the previous year (USDA prospective planting report). As seed cost is a critical economic factor, selecting the proper seeding rate is a key management practice. This article provides a summary of the main factors in determining soybean seeding rates.
Is There Any Value to Starter Fertilizers on Soybeans?
Soybean is a crop that can remove significant amounts of nutrients per bushel of grain harvested. Because of this, soybeans can respond to starter fertilizer applications on low-testing soils, particularly phosphorus. Typically, corn shows a greater response to starter fertilizer than soybean. Part of the reason for that is because soils are generally warmer when soybeans are planted than when corn is planted. The typical response in early growth observed in corn is usually not observed in soybeans. However, yield response to direct soybean fertilization with phosphorus and other nutrients can be expected in low-testing soils. Some research under irrigated, high-yield environments with sandy soils also suggests a potential benefit of small amounts of N in starter fertilizer.
Soybean Row Spacing in Kansas
There are still many questions about row spacing for soybean production. This article provides a summary of recent research from K-State. Compared to the conventional 30-inch row spacing, soybeans in narrow rows (15-inch or less) in these tests were likely to show equal or slightly greater yields (2-12%), particularly when the yield environment was less than 50 bushels per acre (regardless of planting date, seeding rate, or maturity). Above this yield threshold level, soybean did not show yield response to changing the row spacing. Overall, the common denominator of the response to row spacing is the inconsistency, denoted by the wide error of responses and by the variability between site-years.
Control of Volunteer Enlist Corn in Enlist E3 Soybean
Recent development of Enlist corn allows the use of 2,4-D choline (Enlist One), glyphosate (Roundup PowerMax), glufosinate (Liberty), and aryloxyphenoxypropio-nate (FOPs) herbicides for controlling grass and broadleaf weeds. However, volunteer Enlist corn plants can cause infestation in subsequent Enlist E3 soybean (resistant to 2,4-D, glyphosate, and glufosinate) in areas where a corn-soybean rotation is commonly practiced. Read more in a study about control of volunteer Enlist corn in Enlist E3 soybean.
Plan now for volunteer corn control in soybeans
We can debate whether or not volunteer corn is truly a “weed,” but it is definitely a problem for soybean farmers. According to research conducted in South Dakota, soybean yield loss was 8 to 9% when volunteer corn density was about one plant per ten square feet. Yield loss increased to 71% at volunteer corn densities of about one plant per square foot. One of the factors that makes volunteer corn management difficult in soybeans is that this corn is typically resistant to glyphosate and/or glufosinate. However, there are some steps farmers can take early in the growing season to manage volunteer corn in soybean crops.
Double cropping options after wheat
Double cropping after wheat harvest can be a high-risk venture. The available growing season is relatively short. Heat and/or dry conditions in July and August may cause problems with germination, emergence, seed set, or grain fill. Ample soil moisture this year can aid in establishing a successful crop after wheat harvest. Read more about herbicide carryover potential and management considerations for double cropping with soybeans, sorghum, sunflowers, summer annual forages, and corn.
wheat soybeans sorghum double crop summer annual forage sunflower
Considerations for late planting (or re-planted) soybeans
By early June 2022, more than 60% of soybeans had been planted and less than half of all soybeans had emerged in Kansas (USDA Kansas Crop Progress and Report Condition, 2022). Not only do producers still have more than one-third of the soybean acreage to be planted, but some of the planted acres will need to be replanted after an initial assessment based on potential issues caused by the recent hail and flooding conditions in some areas of the state.
soybeans seeding rate row spacing planting date soybean planting
Identifying nutrient deficiency symptoms in soybeans
This time of year, soybeans may begin showing signs of chlorosis or other leaf discoloration in all or parts of the field. There may be many causes of discoloration. Nutrient deficiencies are one possibility. Visible symptoms will appear differently depending on the mobility of the nutrient. Learn more in this article!
Be on the lookout for the soybean gall midge
Soybean growers in the northern parts of Kansas need to be aware of a potential new pest, the Soybean Gall Midge. While not found in KS yet, it has been detected in southern Nebraska. Yield losses from this insect are due to plant death and lodging. Learn how to identify this emerging soybean pest and how to report any possible sightings.
Drought and heat stress in Kansas soybean fields
Dryland soybean fields have started to experience heat stress combined with long periods without rainfall. This article reviews potential symptoms of drought and heat stress on soybeans. Producers should scout their fields for signs of stress in order to make timely decisions as the growing season progresses.
Soybean yield potential estimation
With most Kansas soybean fields already in reproductive stages, it is time to start assessing yield potential from those fields. Estimating final yield before harvest can be a very tedious task, but a simplified method using yield components can be applied to start setting yield expectations.
Soybean seed filling and dry down rate before harvest
This article offers a closer look at the seed-filling process of soybeans. Environmental conditions in the coming days will play a critical role in seed filling and determining final seed weight. Another important process is the dry down rate of soybeans after reaching final maturity. Learn more about this process in this article.
Check herbicide labels before using soybeans for livestock feed
Drought conditions throughout Kansas are forcing farmers to consider harvesting soybeans for forage instead of grain. Many factors should be considered when making this decision. Herbicide applications made during the growing season are one thing to consider. Many herbicide labels restrict the use of soybeans as a forage.
After harvest is the optimal time for Soybean Cyst Nematode sampling
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a major problem in soybean fields throughout eastern and central Kansas. It is important to monitor SCN levels regularly to determine if management strategies, such as variety resistance and crop rotation, have been successful. Free SCN testing is available through the KSU Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab. Find out more in this article.
2022 Kansas Soybean Yield and Value Contests
The Kansas Soybean Association is calling all soybean farmers in Kansas to enter their competitive soybean crop into the Kansas Soybean Yield Contest by December 1. New for 2022, the Kansas Soybean Association will sponsor three participants to attend Commodity Classic in March 2023. First place in both contests, as well as one randomly drawn participant who entered both contests, earn the trip. Learn more in this article.
2022 Kansas Performance Tests with Soybean Varieties report
The 2022 Kansas Performance Tests with Soybean Varieties report is now available. The results from these tests provide producers, extension agents, and industry professionals with unbiased agronomic information on many of the soybean varieties marketed in Kansas.
Save the date for the K-State Soybean School set for February 22 in Salina
Get this event on your calendar! K-State Research and Extension is hosting a one-day Soybean School on Feb. 22 in Salina. The free event is sponsored by the Kansas Soybean Commission. Topics covered include crop production, breeding updates, insect and disease control, soybean markets, and more! Don't miss it!
Potential pest of soybeans and alfalfa in Kansas: Mealybugs
First identified in 2008 as a potential pest of soybeans in the US, trochanter mealybugs have a wide variety of hosts including corn, sorghum, and alfalfa. While their role as a pest of soybeans is still not fully understood, it appears that mealybugs have the potential to be a problem in Kansas alfalfa as sporadic infestations have been detected in the western part of the state as recently as 2022.
Effect of early planting dates on soybean yield
Early planting dates have been promoted as a management practice that can increase soybean yield. This article summarizes research conducted in northeast and north central Kansas to determine the effect of early planting dates, seed density, and maturity group on soybean yield.
Soybean planting date and maturity group selection
For the 2023 season, soybean acreage projections in Kansas are up compared to past years. For maximizing yields, there are key practices to consider. This article presents some tips on selecting the best planting date and maturity group across Kansas.
Adjusting seeding rates for soybeans
Seed cost is a critical economic factor and selecting the proper seeding rate is a key management practice for soybean production. This article reviews in greater detail several key factors in choosing the optimal soybean seeding rates for your production system.
Soybean seed treatments: Avoiding seedling diseases
As producers start planting soybeans in Kansas, it is important to consider common causes of seedling damping off and potential management strategies. This article addresses some frequently asked questions concerning the use of seed treatments for soybeans.
Cold soils can lead to chilling injury for newly planted corn and soybean
Warm soil temperatures for the last couple of weeks in Kansas means that corn planting is well underway. However, temperatures for the week of April 23 plummeted below freezing with durations of several hours in many locations across Kansas, particularly the last weekend. What does this mean for crops already in the ground?
Is there any value to starter fertilizer on soybeans?
Soybean is a crop that can remove significant amounts of nutrients per bushel of grain harvested. Because of this, soybeans can respond to starter fertilizer applications on low-testing soils, particularly phosphorus. This article discusses when starter fertilizer is most appropriate for soybean production.
Inoculating soybeans is a good insurance policy
When planting soybeans in Kansas, it may be a good insurance policy to inoculate the seed. Inoculation promotes good nodulation, improves nitrogen fixation, and helps ensure a stable yield. Yield response to inoculants can depend on residual soil nitrogen, soil pH, environmental conditions, and other factors.
Several factors affect successful soybean inoculation and nodulation
If soybean plants are chlorotic and nitrogen deficient despite being inoculated, that probably indicates the inoculant has failed. This article discusses how to assess nodulation in the field and what factors can lead to poor nodulation.