2021
Recalibration of Phosphorous and Potassium Recommendations for High-Yielding Soybeans in North Carolina
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
GeneticsGenomicsSeed quality
Lead Principal Investigator:
Luke Gatiboni, North Carolina State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
20-062
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Institution Funded:
Brief Project Summary:
Using best management practices and technology might allow some North Carolina fields to yield more than 70 bu/A. Although soil test phosphorus and potassium levels have been recently confirmed as sufficient, it is unclear if these levels are sufficient for high-yielding soybeans. Recalibration of soil test P and K for high-yielding soybeans is the objective of this research. It investigates the necessity of higher rates of phosphorus and potassium for high-yielding soybeans and optimal levels of P and K in plant tissue compared with regular soybean yields. Efforts also determine the exportation of P and K by grain in high-yielding soybeans, all to help determine if P and K recommendations should be modified based on yield expectations.
Key Beneficiaries:
#agronomists, #extension agents, #farmers
Unique Keywords:
#fertility, #fertilizer, #k, #p, #phosphorus, #potassium, #soil fertility
Information And Results
Project Summary

The use of best management practices and technology might allow some fields in NC to yield 70 bu/A or more, defined as high-yielding soybeans. Although soil test phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels have been recently confirmed as sufficient, it is unclear if these levels are sufficient for high-yielding soybeans. Recalibration of soil test P and K for high-yielding soybeans is the objective of this research, which will occur at four farmer field sites that routinely harvest > 70 bu/ac soybeans. We will measure the plant tissue-P and -K, and yield during two cropping years. The results will be compared with those coming from three long-term P and K experiments conducted in different regions of North Carolina, in which the yield expectations are close to the average for the state. We ask that the NC Soybean Producers’ Association support the costs of a part-time undergraduate student, field supplies, travel costs, and, soil and plant analysis. Results from this project will be used to help determine the necessity of modifications in P and K recommendations for high-yielding soybeans in North Carolina.

Project Objectives

1. Investigate the necessity of higher rates of phosphorus and potassium for high-yielding soybeans (> 70 bu/A) in North Carolina

2. Investigate optimal levels of phosphorus and potassium in the plant tissue of high-yielding soybeans in North Carolina and compare it with results from regular soybean yields

3. Determinate the exportation of phosphorus and potassium by grain in high-yielding soybeans in North Carolina.

Project Deliverables

Progress Of Work

Final Project Results

Benefit To Soybean Farmers

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.