Ready to Sow: 3 Tips for a Great Soybean Season
Known as springtime to some, Georgia farmers have another name for it: soybean planting season. With its start fast approaching, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to achieve your best yield yet.
According to Dr. Corey Bryant, UGA Extension Grains Agronomist, the “three keys to achieving top yields in soybeans are timely planting, proper fertility, and timely harvest.” While these principles sound simple enough, experienced farmers know that there’s more to the story. Let’s take a closer look!
Tip #1: Don’t Miss Your Planting Window.
Whether you’ve selected an early or full-season production system, sowing seeds during the optimum planting window has shown to increase yields by up to 30%. In fact, waiting even a few weeks can make a major impact on yields – and it’s not a good one. For indeterminate varieties, prime planting occurs in the two weeks following the historical last frost. Determinate varieties, however, should not go in the ground before May 1st.
Tip #2: Focus on Fertility.
First off, if this season is your first planting soybeans (in the last three years), you must inoculate your seed. Even if it’s not your first time adding soybeans to your rotation, it’s not a bad idea to inoculate. This ensures that there’s enough nitrogen available from the start – and prevents the additional cost (and hassle) of applying nitrogen fertilization mid-season. Potassium fertilizer plays a crucial role in fertility too.
Tip #3: A Happy Harvest Is a Timely Harvest.
Determinate seeds provide a bit more wiggle room, but indeterminate soybeans’ harvest is a little trickier. Plan to apply a desiccant to preserve quality and remedy any issues that may delay harvest. Determinate seeds do not require desiccant applications, but should be harvested as soon as they are ready. Just like planting, timing is everything when it comes to harvesting!
Dr. Bryant encourages all Georgia growers to consider including soybeans in their rotation. This recommendation is based on the rising prices, with soybeans delivered in August and September earning almost $13 per bushel.
Whether you’re a first-time soybean grower or an old pro, trust Mixon Seed Service to provide the highest quality – every season, every seed. To learn more about preparing for the upcoming soybean season or to order seed, contact us today! Click here to get in touch!
