Do Nitrogen Applications Pay?

Last week we discussed some basics of soybean fertility (catch up here if you missed it). We know how important sufficient levels of P and K are but do soybeans need N upfront or in-season? Unlike most of our other crops soybeans have the ability to obtain their own nitrogen through N fixation. N fixation is the process…

Details

Soybean Fertility Basics

  Soybeans have long been viewed as a “rotational crop” in North Carolina, and proper fertilization programs for soybeans are often ignored. But, an interest in the production of high-yielding soybeans has stimulated interest in maximizing soybean yield via proper fertilization. There is also interest in in-season nutrient applications to help boost yields.    …

Details

Evaluating Plant Stands

We’re excited #plant18 is finally well underway in North Carolina. April was cooler and wetter than normal, but things have dried out in May, meaning many of you are in the tractor seat planting as hard as you can go. NCDA is reporting that about 25% of the soybean crop is already in the ground.…

Details

Going Old School to Get Rid of Weeds

Over the past two decades, the convenience and effectiveness of post-emergence glyphosate applications led many farmers to abandon past approaches to weed control, which included using a variety of herbicide and tillage options. Increasing pressure from glyphosate-resistant weeds like Palmer amaranth have weed experts promoting a return to more diverse practices, similar to those used…

Details

Annual N.C. Soybean Research Scholarships Awarded

The 2018 North Carolina Soybean Research Scholarship recipients have been named. These scholarships funded by the NCSPA through the checkoff are awarded annually to N.C. State University students majoring in agriculture or related fields. To qualify, students must demonstrate how their studies and work experiences will impact soybean production and/or research in their future careers.…

Details

Evaluating Production Practices on Your Farm

Continuing to improve soybean yields and increase profits requires constant research to fine-tune production systems. This includes research at our traditional levels like university, industry and consultant partners but it also includes research with innovative growers. One of the best ways for you to determine if a new product or practice is right for your operation…

Details

Are You Making Weed Management Mistakes?

Weed scientists often see farmers making similar weed management mistakes. Fewer herbicide options and more herbicide resistant weeds make it critical to understand where the pitfalls are and how to avoid them. Here are some of the common mistakes and how to avoid them: Fewer herbicide options combined with more herbicide-resistant weeds could equal disaster…

Details

Is Uniform Emergence Important in Soybeans

Planting season is a big deal for farmers. The decisions made here will determine the ultimate potential yield of your crop. As Dr. Heiniger says, “Planting day is the most important day of your season. It’s your super bowl. It’s the day you want to perform your best.”. And for a few years now Dr.…

Details

2018 Management Decisions – Row Spacing

Next up in our Management Decisions series we talk row spacing. But first, if you missed our articles on weed management, seeding rates, or planting date catch up by clicking the links. Row spacing is something we get a lot of questions about and the truth of the matter is a wide range of row…

Details

Getting the Most Out of Herbicide Applications

Want your herbicide applications to be as effective as possible? Here are a few tips. Know the weeds you are trying to control. Armed with the knowledge of what weeds are most problematic, you can use weed response tables and weed control guides, available through universities and companies, to make the best decisions. For post-emergence…

Details