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Prep Work
When weather is cold, there is not much work to be done in the field, making these months the perfect time to look back on previous seasons' costs, returns, successes and failures. This time should also be used to clean equipment such as planters, sprayers and combines. -
Treat Seed
Plant establishment is key to component to creating a high yielding soybean plant. The use of a seed treatment can help protect the seed and seedling from early-season stressors and improve over all growth and development. -
Planting Day
The seed is in the planter, soil temperature is above 60 degrees and the seed is drilled into the ground in 15 inch rows. -
Seed Germinates
Seed germination occurs in the time after the seed is planted in the soil and before the young seedling emerges above the soil surface. After a few days, the first root will emerge through the seed coat and begin to grow downward to establish the root system. -
Begin Scouting for Pests
Scouting for weeds, insects and disease is necessary throughout the season, especially as the temperature begins to rise. Early-season pests can impact plant stand, speed to canopy and ultimately yield. Utilize pest management practices to control these early-season pests when warrented. -
Seedling Emerge
Approximately a week after planting, young seedlings will emerge from the soil. There are many factors to consider at this stage, including early-season pest protection, weather and environmental predictions that may arise before the plants have reached maturity. -
Soybean Plants Begin to Flower
A soybean plant's flowers can range from white to a vibrant violet. Eventually, soybean pods contaning young seeds will grow from these blossoms. Scouting becomes increasingly important when the soybean plant is in this stage as insect feeding can severly impact yield. -
Bean Leaf Beetles Reach Threshold Levels
As the weather warms up, the bean leaf beetle can become one of the most damaging pests to a soybean plant's health and yield. Adult beetles can chew through leaves, stems or pods which can not only cause yield loss but also open up opportunity for disease pathogens to invade the plant. Once threshold levels are reached, management action is warrented. -
Soybeans Begin to Dry Down
In late September, soybean plants reach full maturation. At this point, the plant begins to yellow, eventually turning brown and losing its leaves. When the plant is completely dried down, it is ready for harvest. -
Harvest
When soybean plants are completely dried down, they are ready to be harvested. A combine with a soybean head is used to cut and collect yield from individual plants. The combine separates the soybeans from their pods and stems then deposits them into a holding tank in the back of the combine. -
Select Seed for 2014 Season
Farmers select seed based on desirable plant characteristics, like high yield, ability to withstand drought, color, or ability to withstand wind and weather. Soybean seed varieties are engineered with specific characteristics and tolerances to specific pests that best suit the environment in which they are being grown. Additional characteristics to consider include maturity, yield potential, disease and pest resistance, lodging score, plant height, canopy type and specific soybean quality traits
