HOW DO PLANTING DATE, FUNGICIDE, AND INSECTICIDE IMPACT SOYBEAN YIELD?
Zoller, C.1; Lindsey, L.2; Custer, S.3; Douridas, N.4; Estadt, M.5; Ford, K.6; Griffith, M.7; Hamman, W.8; Kreager, D.9; Marrison, D.101Associate Professor & Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension Tuscarawas County, New Philadelphia, OH, 44663-6403
2Associate Professor & Extension Specialist, Soybeans & Small Grains, Ohio State University Extension, Columbus, OH, 43210
3Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension - Darke County, Greenville, OH, 45331
4Farm Manager, Molly Caren Farm, Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences, London, OH, 43140
5Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension - Pickaway County, Circleville, OH, 43113
6Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension - Fayette County, Washington Court House, OH, 43160
7Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension - Madison County, London, OH, 43140
8Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension - Pike County, Piketon, OH, 45661
9Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension - Licking County, Newark, OH, 43055
10Associate Professor & Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension - Coshocton County, Coshocton, OH, 43812
Abstract:
Previously conducted research indicated that soybean planting date is the management practice that most influences soybean yield. Foliar fungicide and insecticide applications were also found to influence soybean yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate a standard soybean production system compared to an enhanced soybean production system. Trials were conducted at six on-farm locations across Ohio in 2019. The study was a randomized complete block design with three replications of treatments. The standard production system was planted mid-to late May at 160,000 seeds per acre. The enhanced production system was planted late April to mid-May at a rate of 130,000 seeds per acre, with foliar fungicide and insecticide applied at the R3 growth stage. Planting and harvest dates, tillage type, previous crop, soil type, and weather data were collected in-season. At the V2 to V3 growth stage, soybean plant stand was measured. At harvest, grain moisture concentration and yield were recorded. Additionally, we completed an analysis to determine return above seed cost in dollars per acre. Statistical analysis was completed to determine Least Significant Difference (LSD) and coefficient of variation for each location. At three locations, soybean grain yield was 4 to 20 bu/acre greater in the enhanced system compared to the standard system, ranging in partial return increases from $12 to $161/acre. This increase in yield and profitability is likely attributed to earlier planting and reduction in disease with the foliar fungicide application. At two locations, soybean yield was not influenced by the production system treatments. At one location, soybean yield decreased by 5 bu/acre (loss of $64/acre) in the enhanced system compared with the standard system. The lack of yield response to earlier planting may be attributed to weather. The effect of planting date is minimal when there is dry weather during pod-set (R3 to R4 growth stage). Due to some of the variability of results and the extreme weather of 2019, the research team will be replicating the study in 2020.