Busting Soybean Yield Barriers Without Breaking the Bank.

The 2012 Arkansas soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grain yield of 2890 kg ha^-1 was the highest recorded statewide mean yield, however, further yield improvements may be possible. Based upon observations and research in maximum yield environments at Mr. Kip Cullers’ farm and small plots at the Univ. of Arkansas in Fayetteville, several key management practices were identified as having potential to increase soybean yield. Large-scale on-farm experiments were conducted at two (2011) or three (2012-13) locations in Eastern Arkansas to demonstrate the potential yield of a high yield management program involving supplemental poultry litter, early planting, narrow rows, frequent irrigation, N fertilization and strict pest management. Each site-year involved slightly different soil types, row widths, plant densities and irrigation systems but the overall management program was similar. Each trial included five to six Pioneer cultivars with indeterminate stem growth habit and a relative maturity (RM) range from 4.2 to 5.1 planted in randomized strips (each strip 0.2 to 0.4 ha) spanning the length of the field and replicated five or six times. Mean grain yield in 2011 was 5080 kg ha^-1 (76 bushels acre^-1) across cultivars and locations and 5900 kg ha^-1 (88 bushels acre^-1) across cultivars and locations in 2012. Cultivar grain yields ranged from 4630 to 4980 kg ha^-1 near England, AR and 5150 to 5610 kg ha^-1 near Helena, AR in 2011. In 2012, cultivar grain yields ranged from 5680 to 6010 kg ha^-1 near England, 5610 to 6010 kg ha^-1 near Helena, and 5890 to 6360 kg ha^-1 near Newport, AR. This research demonstrates that these management practices can be used at locations throughout Eastern Arkansas to achieve soybean yields double of the statewide average.