Soybean yield increases have not kept pace with those of corn in farmers' fields in recent years.

Consequently, growers are reexamining soybean management practices to look for possible areas of improvement. One such area is soybean fertilization. This Crop Insights discusses the basics of soybean fertility. 

Soybean yield increases have not kept pace with those of corn in farmers’ fields in recent years.

Consequently, growers are reexamining soybean management practices to look for possible areas of improvement. One such area is soybean fertilization. This is especially true if fertility levels have not been maintained in some fields due to higher crop yields and higher costs for nutrients.

In addition, corn and soybean nutrient needs, though similar, are not identical. For these reasons, growers may benefit from a review of basic soybean fertility principles.

Managing soybean fertility should begin with regular soil testing. Soil testing is a valuable and inexpensive tool for ascertaining the nutrient and pH status of a particular field and guiding field input decisions.

Soil tests should be taken every three to four years and sent to reputable labs for analysis; testing in shorter intervals is more costly and unlikely to provide further useful soil information. Instructions for collecting, handling and shipping samples are available from your state Extension service or soil test lab.

To read the rest of this article, click here.