Expert Tips for Growing Soybeans Successfully and Boosting Yields

How Long Does It Take To Grow Soybeans?

The growth cycle of soybeans typically spans from plant development to the grain fill stage, with the entire process taking anywhere from 90 to 150 days, depending on the environmental conditions. Day length plays a significant role, especially for short-day types, which thrive as days shorten. During the flowering and grain fill stage, the height and node number of the plants increase, but late-maturing types may take longer to mature. Factors like sunlight, dry spells, insects, and crop diseases can affect the plant’s health and overall soybean growing time, making it essential to monitor plants closely during this period.

Soybean Pests And Diseases And Ways To Combat Them

Pests and diseases are significant threats to soybeans, affecting both yields and farm profits. Learn about common crop diseases and how to prevent them to ensure a healthy harvest. Common issues include insects and pathogens that can devastate legume crops. To combat this, using hybrid selection and integrating rotation crops are effective agricultural strategies. Additionally, climate plays a key role in disease incidents, so monitoring environmental conditions can help minimize these risks. 

Emerging technologies like agricultural drones are revolutionizing how we manage pests and fertilizers. Learn more about how agricultural drones slash pesticide and fertilizer use to optimize input efficiency.

Common Soybean Pests

• Pod-feeding pests, like bean leaf beetles (BLB), stink bugs, and grasshoppers, can harm soybeans and reduce crop yields.

• These pests damage soybean pods and leaves, leading to discolored plants, undersized plants, and shriveled plants, affecting seed quality and germination.

• Natural predators can help control pest populations, but during dry spells, pesticide applications may be necessary.

• Common insecticides include pyrethroids, organophosphates (OPs), and neonicotinoids, but care must be taken with the pre-harvest interval to avoid crop contamination.

• Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) can combine chemical and natural methods for effective pest control.

Common Soybean Diseases

• Soybeans are vulnerable to crop diseases caused by pathogens like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes.

• These diseases can severely reduce yield, affecting both plant health and overall production.

• Effective disease management involves a mix of pest management techniques and targeted control strategies.

• Early detection and using resistant varieties can help minimize the impact of soybean diseases.

• Crop rotation is an essential practice to prevent the build-up of pathogens in the soil.

Economically Significant Soybean Diseases and Measures to Control Them

Soybean Disease	Causing Pathogen	Symptoms	Control Measures
Downy Mildew	Peronospora manshurica	Blotches on leaves turning light green or yellow, undersized seeds, mold.	Seed treatment, resistant varieties, crop rotation.
Bacterial Blight	Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea	Jagged marks, yellow-brown halos, leaf drop, dead areas.	Resistant cultivars, non-host crop rotation, pathogen-free seed, deep tillage.
White Mold	Sclerotinia sclerotiorum	Watery sores, white cottony growth, black particles on stems.	Reduced tillage, wider rows, fungicides.
Stem Canker	Diaporthe phaseolorum var. caulivora	Reddish-brown sores on stem and node.	Residue incorporation, resistant varieties.
Charcoal Rot	Macrophomina phaseoliana	Brown spots on seedlings, chlorotic leaves, gray streaks on taproot.	Decreased planting densities, crop residue removal, crop health monitoring.
Alternaria Leaf Spot	Alternaria tenuissima	Dark areas, necrotic spots, leaf drying.	Use of certified seeds, crop residue removal, prevention via technology and crop health monitoring.

Using Satellite Technologies To Address Challenges In Soybean Growing

Satellite technology plays a pivotal role in helping farmers address crucial issues in soybean growing, particularly in the early detection of problems like pest infestations or soil inconsistencies. From my experience, using these technologies can help reduce oversights that might otherwise hinder a farmer’s ability to care for their soybeans effectively, leading to healthier crops and higher yields.

Overwatering Detection And Management

• Overwatering can harm soybeans, especially during germination or early stages, leading to disease, lodging, and damage to leaves, flowers, and pods.

• Farmers can use Crop Monitoring and NDMI index for early detection of overwatering issues.

• Monitoring soil moisture and adjusting watering based on index values helps prevent waterlogging and ensures proper drainage.

• Technologies enable intervention before issues affect the growing plant, promoting better yields and healthier crops.

Identification Of Weed Infestation

Weed management is crucial for soybeans, especially during the early stages when seedlings are emerging. Invasive plants can quickly compete with young crops, affecting their growth as they fight for resources like sunlight and nutrients. Using technologies like the MSAVI index helps growers detect weed presence in the field before they can affect the canopies and the ground. Early identification through scouts can prevent unwanted weeds from spreading, allowing for timely intervention before these weeds have a chance to germinate and reduce harvest yields.

Pest And Disease Infestations Management

• Scouting and pest identification are essential for early detection of pests and diseases in soybean fields.

• Crop damage assessment during emergence and flowering stages helps identify issues affecting seed growth stages.

• Using a task-assignment tool in Crop Monitoring systems via mobile application improves pest control and disease control efficiency.

• Scouts document their findings in real-time, enabling quicker interventions and preventing further damage to crops.

Fertilizing Rates

• Soybeans are legumes, naturally fixing nitrogen, but may need supplemental nitrogen during high growth periods.

• Nitrogen fertilizer can be added based on soil testing to balance nutrient needs for optimal soybeans growth.

• Use aged compost or fertilizer to enhance soil fertility, especially during planting and before harvest.

• Monitoring and productivity maps help determine the best fertilizer application rates and adjust them during the summer.

• Regular evaluation of soil fertility ensures healthy growth and sustainable yields.

Cold Or Heat Stress Detection

Detecting cold stress during planting or early germination is crucial, especially after chilly rain or unexpected temperature drops. Cold stress can stunt soybeans growth and delay plant maturation. On the other hand, heat stress from high air temperatures and prolonged drought can cause plant stress, affecting growth stage and harvest quality. Using weather forecasts, along with Crop Monitoring and tools like the NDMI index, helps assess soil moisture, temperature, and precipitation levels. This information is key for implementing precision agriculture strategies, such as adjusting irrigation or preparing for unexpected heat or cold stress in the fields, ensuring healthier crops and a more successful harvest.

When And How To Harvest Soybean Plant

• Optimal Harvest Timing

  • Harvest when crop maturity is reached, and pods turn yellow-brown with ripe beans.

  • Ideal moisture levels for harvest are around 13-15% for soybeans.

  • Use in-field monitoring and remote monitoring to track soybean growth and determine harvest readiness.

• Pre-Harvest Preparation

  • Control weed presence and crop residues before harvesting.

  • Apply pre-harvest herbicides to manage weeds and residues effectively.

  • Ensure proper drying of beans to prevent storage issues.

• Harvesting Process

  • Use a combine harvester for efficient collection of seeds.

  • Transfer seeds into a holding tank, grain wagon, or truck for storage.

  • Monitor harvesting progress using computer systems to coordinate logistics and resource planning.

• Post-Harvest Considerations

  • Keep accurate harvesting records for future analysis and crop management.

  • Ensure that healthy crops are handled with care during the harvesting process to maintain quality.

In conclusion, growing soybeans involves careful attention to various stages of planting, growth, and harvest to ensure high-quality yields. By focusing on fertilizing rates, weed management, and effective pest and disease control, farmers can optimize their soybean fields for better productivity. Monitoring technologies like remote monitoring and crop monitoring systems aid in early detection of stress factors such as cold or heat stress or overwatering, ensuring timely interventions. The use of advanced tools to track harvest dynamics, along with efficient harvesting techniques and logistics, further enhances the overall success of the crop. With the right management practices, including proper fertilizer application, soil moisture control, and harvesting guidelines, farmers can cultivate robust crops that deliver healthy yields, contributing to both sustainability and profitability.

FAQS

What is the best way to plant soybeans?

The best way to plant soybeans is to direct sow the seeds in well-drained soil, ensuring proper row spacing for narrow rows. To maximize yield, maintain consistent soil moisture and cover the seeds to protect them from frost and pests, promoting successful germination.

What conditions are best for growing the soybean plant?

Soybean yields thrive in well-drained soils like sandy soils, with a balanced pH. Droughty soils can lead to disappointing yields, especially if they dry out by August, reducing the plant’s ability to grow and produce a strong yield.

What is the best month to plant soybeans?

The best time to plant soybeans is typically in late April to early May, depending on the region and climate. This timing ensures warm soil, which is essential for germination and yield. In areas with milder climates, earlier planting can be beneficial, but soil conditions should be optimal for successful growth.

What type of soil is best for soybeans?

For successful soybean cultivation, fertile loam soils are ideal as they provide a balanced mix of nutrients, moisture, and good drainage. The pH should ideally range from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth. Well-drained soils help prevent waterlogging, which could hinder germination and root development. It’s essential to avoid sodic soils and saline soils, as their high salt content can affect nutrient uptake and reduce yields. Ensuring proper soil conditions is key to growing healthy soybeans.

What fertilizer do soybeans need most?

For optimal soybean growth, providing the right mix of macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is crucial. Nitrogen is particularly important due to the plant’s ability to fix it through symbiotic bacteria. Additionally, secondary nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, along with micronutrients like iron, boron, and zinc, are essential for overall health and development. A well-balanced fertilizer ensures the plant receives everything it needs for robust growth.