Poultry Litter, Potassium Thiosulfate, Foliar Micronutrient, and Fungicide Combinations for Michigan Soybean Production.

Greater soybean (Glycine Max (L.) Merr.) price relative to other commodities has increased producer interest in commonly marketed agronomic inputs and intensive soybean management. However when relying upon multiple input combinations, minimal data is generated pertaining to which specific input(s) result in the greatest yield and economic benefit. The objective of this study was to investigate the yield and economic profitability of multiple agronomic inputs across both enhanced (multiple-input) and traditional (individual-input) management systems. A multi-year omission field trial was established at two locations in Michigan and evaluated poultry litter applied pre-plant incorporated, potassium thiosulfate surface-banded at R1, and foliar applications of micronutrients and fungicide applied at R1 and R3, respectively. No yield or economic benefit was observed from individual applications of poultry litter, potassium thiosulfate, foliar micronutrients, and fungicide across either the enhanced and traditional management system in 2016. Enhanced management did not result in a significant yield increase and significantly reduced gross profit per hectare. Adequate soil and tissue nutrient levels complemented with low disease pressure was observed in 2016. Preliminary results suggest insurance applications of specific inputs may not be warranted when nutrient deficiencies and disease pressure do not exist.