How Excessive Rain Impacts Soybean Planting
If soil around germinating soybeans is waterlogged for two days, yield losses may be minimal. Any longer, and you will see measurable losses — even plant death.
Read MoreHow Drought Affects Your Soybean Planting
The most frequent cause of disappointing soybean yields is drought in the month of August, when seeds within the pods enlarge and fill. To avoid moisture stress in soybeans, consider these pivots:
1. Delay planting
If irrigation alone will not supply enough moisture to trigger germination, simply delay planting until rain is in the forecast.
2. Plant shallow soybeans
The goal here is to allow soybeans to catch any moisture that becomes available as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that a small amount of rain could be enough to initiate soybean germination but not enough to continue growth.
3. Plant soybeans deeper
If the top layer of soil is dry because of a recent lack of rainfall, planting deeper could help your soybeans access previous rainfall moisture. Soybeans planted at .75" to 1.5" deep may be able to reach enough moisture to germinate, but adjust according to your region and soil type.
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Pests
Spider mites and soybean aphids can flourish in dry, water-stressed crops. These pests are generally more threatening to mature soybean plants, so there is likely no need to apply insecticide or be overly concerned about them at the start of the season.
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Weeds
Yes, weeds will also struggle during drought-like conditions. This would be a good time to apply a pre-emergence herbicide or prepare to manage weeds with a post-emergence herbicide, in case rain and warm temperatures become more ideal.
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Soil fertility
Dry conditions can slow the processes of nitrogen fixation and nitrogen mineralization. This reduction in key nutrient levels can cause yield loss. If dry conditions don't last long enough to damage your soybean plants, try addressing the deficits through nodule nitrogen fixation.1
There is no exact way to predict the best window for soybean planting next season. But start by defining goals, manageable threats and threats you can’t mitigate. Here are some possible scenarios:
If pests and soil fertility are your biggest challenges, plant during a time that minimizes those risks.
If you are aiming to maximize yield, plant early and be prepared to adapt or even replant if weather conditions become an issue.
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With a little luck and a lot of preparation, you'll be ready for any weather challenge — even drought. For more support in adjusting your soybean planting plans, reach out to your Pioneer representative or agronomist.
Knowing how weather events affect your soil and soybean plants can help you plan for alternate sowing times.
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1. “Influence of Drought on Corn and Soybean,” M. Licht, S. Archontoulis, Iowa State University Extension, 2017. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/07/influence-drought-corn-and-soybean