Reproductive stage R-3 is the dividing line between minimal application to just keep crop growth moving forward compared to ample water to maximize pod retention and development. With the recent high heat, many soybean fields will be at the critical R-3 stage sooner than the average year.

Replacing no-till summer fallow with a cool-season legume crop, such as grain-type field peas, can reduce herbicide applications, provide rotational benefits through nitrogen (N) fixation and increase biodiversity above and below ground, says University of Nebraska Extension.

Farmers and water managers may soon have an online tool to help them assess drought and irrigation impacts on water use and crop development, thanks to the work of two USDA scientists.