Many farmers ask how can I shorten the nodes on soybeans so they don't get so tall they lodge?
"Question: I've heard you mention the
use of vinegar to help keep plants shorter. At what rates do you apply it and at
what stage? Does it work consistently? Very interesting concept.
Kip: We normally apply about 8 ounces of vinegar per acre
through our pivot irrigation system several times per season. We think this
helps keep soybean stem internode growth in check but we have not done any side
X side checks to test this theory out. We think the mild acidity or some other
property "shocks" the plant. Excessive vine growth was a major challenge this
year, so we may need to rethink our vinegar strategy in terms of rate, number of
applications or even using other growth inhibiting products."
"Kip: We carefully follow all pesticide label instructions.
We do use foliar applications of small amounts of vinegar, especially on our
soybean crops. Not everyone agrees that this practice does anything, but I feel
that it does help keep the soybean crop from growing too "rank". We do feel that
the slight acidity of vinegar mildly "shocks" the plant to keep it blooming and
setting pods without growing so tall. With our high levels of fertility and
frequent irrigation, our main concern with our soybeans is excessive plant
height and lodging."
"Question: Foliar feeding
fertilizer. Pros and Cons?
Kip: I use foliar feeding of various primary and
micro-nutrients throughout the growing season. These are typically N and S plus
Mn, Mo, Cu, Zn and B. My reason for applying these to my contest fields is
simple. I want to maintain a high yield potential and I apply these nutrients to
supplement the supply coming from the soil via root uptake. I don't put any P
and K on with foliar applications but rely on soil applications of poultry
litter to supply those critical nutrients. The only time I don't like to apply
much of any foliar sprays is during pollination. At that time, all I apply is
irrigation water as needed to eliminate drought stress."
Many farmers do not foliar feed. "But we think many acres of 90-110 bu. Soybeans will be harvested on
our Clients fields.
No inoculant, Fungicide nor insecticide is ever used on these large family
farms.
No Liquid or bandaid fertilizer is ever used.
One can see why the nations average soybean Yield is 36 bu. when the issues that
make the BIG profit
for the individual farmers is not ever discussed."
Healthy soil produces healthy crops which feeds healthy livestock and humans.
Ed Winkle
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