Fungicide, insecticide, and foliar fertilizer effect on soybean yield, seed composition, and canopy retention

Kelsey Bergman,Ignacio Ciampitti,Peter Sexton,Péter Kovács

doi:10.1002/agg2.20116

Abstract

AbstractSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield has increased over time through the introduction of new varieties and improved agronomic practices. However, seed protein concentration has decreased. We conducted field studies in 2018 and 2019 to investigate the effects of fungicide, insecticide, and foliar fertilizer application on grain yield and seed quality in two soybean maturity groups (MG). In‐season treatments targeted nutrient availability and soybean canopy duration during the seed‐filling period by fungicide, insecticide, or foliar fertilizer application at the onset of this period. Biomass samples were collected at R5, R6, and R7 and partitioned into plant parts. Year, location, and MG often influenced yield and seed composition, but foliar fungicide, insecticide, or fertilizer application had no impact on these parameters.

Highlights

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] was produced and harvested on nearly 36 million ha in 2018 in the United States (USDA-NASS, 2019)
The objective of this research was to determine the effects of foliar insecticide, fungicide, and fertilizer applications at the beginning of seed filling on biomass accumulation and partitioning during the late seed-filling period, on grain yield and protein levels in soybean seeds in different maturity groups (MG) varieties
Results were analyzed in R Studio using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fishers’ protected LSD at .05 significance level

Summary

Introduction

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] was produced and harvested on nearly 36 million ha in 2018 in the United States (USDA-NASS, 2019). Soybean yields increased by 23.4 kg−1 ha−1 yr−1 and displayed a slow dilution of soybean seed protein concentration (Rowntree et al, 2013). Current soybean grain pricing is based on yield and grain grading quality, which does not include seed oil or protein levels, or amino acid composition. Seed protein concentration is a factor for small grain prices, such as for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; Kaur et al, 2017; Weidenbenner et al, 2014). Many wheat producers receive grain price deductions if they do not meet protein requirements. Lower soybean protein concentrations often affect meal processors trying to meet quality standards, and impact farmers who feed soybean meal to livestock.

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