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We observed an enhancement in net profits of $20.00 per acre in our soybeans for the 3 year period.  In 2009, 2011 & 2012 when an application of a fungicide and insecticide was made at growth stage R3, greater profits were realized.
                        Fungicidal and Insecticide Treatment on Soybeans_____________

         Post Soybean Treatment*                              Yield (Bu/A)        _____$/A_____

    Fungicide                     Insecticide                     3 Yr. Average       Cost            Net

Quadris @ 8 oz/A    Warrior II @ 1.6 oz/A                59.2                  20.00        20.30

 

*R3 growth stage                                           Source:     Twin State, Inc.

                                                                                                Agronology 10 Research Center

                                                                                                Walcott, IA     

                                     

Since crop year 1994, we had observed three times where the average CEC values (cation exchange capacity) were above 20 for our soybean “Critical Observation Group”.  This year’s CEC was 24.7, demonstrating the value of the extremely heavy soil having more moisture available to the soybean crop.  The other two years had CEC’s slightly above 20 at the Agronology 10 Research Center at Walcott.

 

In a recent 6 year study conducted at the Agronology 10 Research Center in Walcott, IA, dribble banded soybeans increased corn yields by 8.4 Bu/A vs. the non-fertilized soybeans.  When a 17-40-80-10s was fall, dribbled for soybeans on a very high testing P&K soil, corn yields were increased on average from 207.4 Bu/a to 215.8 Bu/A for the 6 year period.  The average soil test value on this very high testing soil was a P₁ of 35 ppm and Exchangeable K of 239.

 

When corn stalks are removed from the field and utilized as forage or bedding materials, additional soil nutrients will also be removed.  Generally, 16.3 lbs. of N; 5.4 lbs. P205; 18 lbs. K20; and 3 lbs. S per ton of dry matter (D.M.) is removed with the stover. 

Calculations for nutrient removal:

1500 lb. bale X .80% D.M. (20% moisture) = 1200 lbs. dry matter bale

1200/2000 = .6 ton D.M.  X  16.3 lbs. N = 9.8 lbs. N/bale

                     = .6 ton D.M.  X  5.4 lbs. P₂0₅ = 3.2 lbs. P₂0₅/bale

                     = .6 ton D.M.  X  18 lbs. K₂0 = 10.8 lbs. K₂0/bale

                    = .6 ton D.M.  X  3 lbs. S = 1.8 lbs. S/bale

Total Nutrient Value = number of bales/A  X  nutrient value per bale

                                                     

Since 1 August 2012, we have received approximately 8 inches of rain.  Tilers and grave diggers are reporting the top 2 foot of soil is at field capacity or slightly below.  But, below this two foot depth the soil is extremely dry.

When the surface soil dries up, I would proceed with fall tillage operations.  The tillage operation will allow more moisture to enter the soil profile for next year’s crop.   

                                                                                                                     

 

Generally, I want to see fall, dribble band applications of P&K + micros.  However, on low CEC soil, that is less than 8, I would recommend a spring application.  With these lower CEC soils, K (potassium), S (sulfur), and micros could be lost due to leaching.

                                                                   

 

I would dribble band the P&K + micros prior to the lime application.  I find it most desirable to wait on .25 inch rain or 3 to 5 day delay minimally between the two applications.

Looking at gross receipts for our grain sales this fall, I see that corn still gives me roughly $45/A higher gross returns per acre than our soybean operation that produced better than 66 Bu/A.

 

I am seeing a lot of our corn fields which are very green at this time.  The bottom leaves of the corn plant are showing the stress of the dry weather.  These leaves are quite brown and are dead.  However, the tops of the corn plant, generally from the ear up, are green.  When we harvested the test plot on 17-19 September, our harvest moisture values were 20 to 24% moisture on 109-111 day maturity corns.

Don’t wait too long on starting harvest, grain moistures could be lower than you expect.

Have a safe harvest!

                                  

                                               

 

1. 
    Many of our soybean fields received 1.5 to 2.0 inches of rain in early August.  These rains added bushels, therefore I am predicting 5 to 8 bushels more soybean to our yield.  But if the forecasted rains pass us by, our increased soybean yield opportunities could be finished for our 2012 soybean crop.
2. 
   On 23 August, I am observing that my 2.5 maturity group soybeans are rapidly changing color from green to yellow.
3. 
   My better looking corn is still looking good; however, my bad looking corn is finished, done for the year.