Elk (Cervus elaphus) grazing reduces volunteer soybean density

Abstract

Management of glyphosate resistant volunteer soybean can be challenging and costly in other glyphosate resistant crops. This study examined the effect of elk (Cervus elaphus) grazing on volunteer soybean (Glycine max) management. Volunteer soybean density was assessed in four fields grazed by elk and three without elk in western Manitoba, Canada. This study determined that elk grazing of soybean stubble significantly reduced soybean volunteer density in the following crop. These results demonstrate that winter elk grazing can be an effective management technique for volunteer soybeans.