In soybeans, lodging (plants that fall over) is a problem that can seriously impact yield, resulting in losses that can run as high as 10 %. Often, it’s only small portions of a field that lodge; but in rare cases, whole fields may go down!
In this blog post, we present the causes and impacts of soybean lodging, along with some possible solutions to prevent it.
Causes
- High plant populations
When plant populations are too high for the given environment, the plants compete with each other for light, causing stem elongation. The taller the plants get, the greater the risk of lodging.
- High yield and moisture levels
Lodging often occurs in the most productive areas of a field. Tall plants lush with bean pods are heavier and fall over more easily.
- Poor soil fertility
Low potassium levels are associated with poor stalk strength, making plants more susceptible to lodging.
- Excessive nitrogen
Manure application increases nitrogen fertility in the soil. Usually, soybeans respond well to reasonable amounts of manure. However, too much nitrogen promotes excessive vegetative growth and plant height, increasing the risk of lodging.
Impacts
- Lodging that occurs during the key growth stages of R3 (beginning pod) to R5 (beginning seed) is the most detrimental to your bottom line. Lodging impedes light penetration into the canopy, reducing a plant’s ability to grow and produce seed.
- Lodging makes plants more vulnerable to fungal diseases such as Sclerotinia, due to the high moisture levels found in the affected fields.
How to minimize lodging
- Early seeding will result in shorter plants. Planting early means cooler conditions during the vegetative stages, which decreases their height;
- Reduce seeding rates to no more than 150,000 plants per acre in areas prone to lodging;
- Choose a physically short variety in fields with a history of lodging;
- Monitor nitrogen levels in your fields.
Hopefully this post leaves you knowing a little more about soybean lodging!
If you have a problem in one of your fields, talk to your Prograin representative today!