Product Evaluation Protocol - Looking for the Next Big Thing in Soybean Production.

The goal of this research was to provide new product information to soybean producers. Are any of the newer materials going to be the “next big thing” in soybean production? The objective was to evaluate an untreated control against nine products (three seed treatments, three soil-applied materials, and three foliar-applied materials; four microbial/natural product, five chemical) intended to raise soybean yield at eight variety trial sites across Kentucky’s soybean production areas. In 2015, Pioneer 45T11R was planted between 15 May and 15 June. Plot management (soil pH; other nutrients; weed, disease and insect control) was optimized. The soil materials were applied soon after soybean emergence. The three foliar materials were applied between V6 and early R1. Plant counts were made in mid-late June. Top, fully developed trifoliate leaves were taken at R2. Plant populations were influenced by location, but not by treatment, as were leaf macronutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micronutrient (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) concentrations. Only leaf Cu was affected by treatment, being somewhat elevated with application of the foliar microbial product. Grain yield, by location, averaged from 3.5 to 5.3 Mg per hectare. There was no significant yield response, positive or negative, to any of the nine products, either across locations or at any location.