Optimization of Soybean Carbohydrate Profiles and Profit Potential Using Variable Planting Dates and Genetic Backgrounds.

Optimization of Soybean Carbohydrate Profiles and Profit Potential Using Variable Planting Dates and Genetic Backgrounds

Jacob T. Young¹, Xiaofan Niu¹, Kristin Bilyeu^1,2, Joseph Parcell¹, James G. Shannon¹, Andrew Scaboo¹

¹University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; ²USDA-ARS, Columbia, MO

 

Abstract

Information on management practices that can increase crop value can be useful for producers in maximizing farm profits. Differing planting dates alters the environment in which a crop is grown, and has been shown to affect seed composition and yield. Providing soybean meal high in sucrose and low in the raffinose family of oligosaccharides (RFOs) is desirable for improving digestibility and increasing feed efficiency in poultry and swine. In this study, the effects of planting date on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed composition and several agronomic traits were investigated using nine specialty genotypes with modified carbohydrate profiles, as well as nine commodity-type check cultivars. This experiment was performed in 2015 and 2016 at three locations in Missouri each with three planting dates. Planting dates were chosen to simulate early, full season, and double crop conditions. Planting date had a significant effect on all agronomic traits and all seed composition traits measured except raffinose.  Early plantings showed increased yield, seed quality and protein. Late plantings showed increased sucrose and oil. Genotype had a significant effect on all measured traits except seed quality. This research shows that a late planting or double cropping production system will provide the most optimum concentrations of high sucrose, low RFO soybeans compared to earlier planting dates.