The Farm Journal Test Plot team, led by Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie, continued planting soybean plots on Apr. 23 in an effort to finish before expected rainfall. Ferrie said the group worked late into the night to complete two plots and planned to finish two more if weather conditions allowed.
These test plots are important for farmers who want answers about fertility, seed treatments, and fungicide performance. The current round of research includes four main types of tests: biological seed treatments, a starter blend placed in-furrow (a method not often used with soybeans), foliar micronutrient applications to assess crop response and return on investment, and a comparison of plant architecture combined with fungicide efficiency.
Ferrie explained that one plot is dedicated to evaluating how different biological seed treatments perform. Another plot tests a unique starter fertilizer applied directly in-furrow at planting. The team will also apply micronutrients over the top of soybeans to observe any effects on growth or yield. A fourth trial compares non-branching varieties planted in narrow rows against branching ‘bush’ beans while tracking how efficiently foliar products reach their target areas within the canopy versus being lost to the ground.
“We want to see how much product hits the ground versus how much stays in the canopy,” Ferrie said. “If I’m foliar feeding and it hits the ground, it’s a wasted investment. We’re tracking those efficiencies.” While soybean plots progress, corn planting remains largely paused as fields south of Bloomington wait for better soil moisture levels.
Ferrie said some farmers further south have already started corn planting but noted that his local fields have only just become suitable due to wet conditions: “It has been a challenge to stay out of the wet spots, but we are ready to move as soon as the soil allows.” He added that farmers received approval for corn planting where conditions were right.
The ongoing research is supported by several partners including Case IH, Fendt, Great Plains Manufacturing, John Deere, Martin-Till, Pleasant View Ag, Precision Planting, Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Yetter Farm Equipment, B&M Crop Consulting and Crop-Tech Consulting.
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