Influence of Bo, Cu and Mn on Soybean and Corn Grain Yields

Trial Type

Micronutrients

General Stats

County
Codington
Replications
4
Crop
Soybean
Seed Brand
No Value
Variety
No Value
Relative Maturity
2.0
Tillage
Conventional Till
Irrigated
No Value
Drain Tile
No Value
Previous Crop
Corn
Row Sapcing
30"
Plant Population
150000
Plant Date
20/05/2016
Cover Crop
No Value
Seed Treatment
No Value

Soil Stats

Soil Type
Fine
Soil pH
4.0
Organic Matter
No Value

Methodology

Introduction

Soybean micro nutrient deficiency symptoms are rare to non-existent in eastern South Dakota. Zinc deficiency is more common in corn and frequently seen on poor, low organic matter and coarse texture soils. Field research investigating the other micro-nutrients (Boron, Copper and Manganese) has been limited. No visual boron, copper or manganese deficiencies have been recorded in South Dakota. However, much like zinc, soybean and corn can respond to boron, copper and manganese field applications without visual deficiency symptoms. For this reason, an on-farm research project was initiated to measure the influence of pre-emerge soil applications of boron, copper and manganese on soybean and corn yields in eastern South Dakota.

Results

Summary

Boron, copper and manganese soil test levels at all sites were in the high category (EC-750) except for boron at the Garretson site which was in the medium category (Table 2). No micronutrients applications are recommended when soil levels are in the high category and 2 lbs/a boron are recommended for the medium category. Boron soil test levels ranged from 0.41 to 2.11 ppm. Copper soil test levels ranged from 0.76 to 2.44 ppm. Manganese soil test levels ranged from 5.9 to 40.0 ppm.

Grain yields at all sites were very good for soybeans, however August rains helped soybean yields remain near average (Table 3). The micro nutrient treatment applications at all remaining sites did not significantly influence soybean grain yields (table 3). Larger than normal numerical yield differences occurred at the Garretson and Arlington soybean sites, and the Crooks and Garretson corn sites. This may appear to indicate that micronutrient applications are needed. Statistical interpretation however could not determine a significant difference.

 

Modified from: http://igrow.org/up/resources/03-7010-2017.pdf

By:

Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension Soils Field Specialist

David Karki, SDSU Extension Agronomy Field Specialist

Sara Berg, SDSU Extension Agronomy Field Specialist

 

Acknowledgments

The soybean portion of this research work was partially funded by the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. Other contributors were SDSU Extension, the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, the Northeast Research Farm, and many farmer cooperators.

Rainfall

Temperature

Applications

  Event Date Type Application Method Amount
VE No Value Micronutrients Surface broadcast 2 lbs / acre (actual)
VE No Value Micronutrients Surface broadcast 2 lbs / acre (actual)
VE No Value Micronutrients Surface broadcast 20 lbs / acre (actual)

Fertilizer Applications

  Event Date Type Application Method Amount
VE No Value Micronutrients Surface broadcast 2 lbs / acre (actual)
VE No Value Micronutrients Surface broadcast 2 lbs / acre (actual)
VE No Value Micronutrients Surface broadcast 20 lbs / acre (actual)

Insecticide Applications

Fungicide Applications

Herbicide Applications