Worrying about Small Soybeans?

The following information was recently shared by Dr. Chad Lee, Associate Extension Professor, Grain Crops at the University of Kentucky. While most of our soybeans in northwest Ohio have closed rows, there are some fields that have not progressed to that point. In addition our soybean seems to match the description of development which is just a little behind normal and shorter which compares well to the situation in Kentucky. Dr Lee shares some thoughts on soybean development and if any sprays i.e. fertilizer, fungicide or insecticide can help soybean develop faster to reach canopy closure.

Some farmers are concerned that the smaller growth of soybeans could result in reduced yields. Some are questioning the use of foliar fertilizers and/or fungicides to help make up the difference.

Soybeans were planted late across most of the state. According to the latest Crop and Weather Report from NASS, soybean flowering is at 35%, behind the five-year average of 47%. Most farmers' "internal clock" says that soybeans should be larger by now. Most years, that is correct. This is not most years.

Some soybeans are getting to flowering (growth stage R1) and may be a little smaller than in previous years. The cooler temperatures combined with later planting dates will cause smaller plants. The smaller plants could be a concern if rows are not closed in shortly after flowering. If the soybean rows are closed, then height is less of an issue. As long as the rows are closed, tall plants do not automatically equal high soybean yields.

If the rows are not closed and the soybeans begin to flower, then yield potential is likely lost. As the soybeans move into pod development and the rows are not closed, yield potential is likely lost. If the soybeans get to seed fill and the rows are not closed, yield potential is lost. This brings us to the main question: will a foliar fertilizer or a foliar fungicide help? The short answer...probably not.

Fungicides will not improve the speed at which soybeans grow and will not help with canopy closure, in the absence of a disease. Fungicides will help soybeans retain leaves, if a disease is present in the field. However, the cooler night temperatures and the smaller soybean plants both contribute to less of a threat from diseases this season.

Foliar fertilizers will not compensate for lower temperatures. They will not increase the speed of growth, assuming P2O5 and K2O levels are adequate in the field. They will make the plants greener and that might make someone feel better.

If your, or your neighbor, is absolutely set on spraying something, then consider the foliar fertilizer. It will likely make the plants greener and it should cost a little less than the fungicide. Or, take that money you would have spent on the foliar product(s) and take a trip someplace warm. Someplace where you don't have to see the soybeans for a couple weeks. It just might make everyone happier, including your friends! For others, keeping that money in the bank may be the best stress reliever right now.

Bottom Line:
Small soybeans or late-planted soybeans that do not reach full canopy by flowering probably have lost some yield potential. Cooler temperatures also reduce the chances of soybeans reaching full canopy by flowering. In hindsight, the best management practice would have been to plant in 7.5-inch rows. The narrow rows would have improved the chances of getting complete canopy closure by flowering. Foliar fertilizers and fungicides will not make up the difference in temperatures, planting date or row spacing.

The July 20th Ohio Crop Weather Report from National Agricultural Statistics Service has 51% of the soybean crop blooming compared to a 2004-2008 average of 65%. The 2009 season is comparable to 2008 where 48% were in bloom. The percentage of the soybean crop setting pods are 6% in 2009 compared to an 2004-2008 average of 12% and 2008 number of 4%. So we are behind development wise from 5 year averages but comparable to 2008. Even though the development is similar to 2008, if we can keep the moisture coming, our yield outcome can be better for 2009.