Update:
This research, near Fargo, evaluated the use of seed treatments, nitrogen, sulfur, and / or foliar fungicides applications under both tiled and non-tiled conditions. It is important for producers to know the most economic soybean management practices.

The treatments tested were: two soybean varieties with different maturity ratings, AG0434 (0.4) and AG0934 (0.9), in combination with 10 input-based treatments under tiled and non-tiled conditions. The seed treatment was Acceleron. The biological was TagTeam, which was seed applied. Sulfur was applied as ammonium sulfate (21-0-0-24S). The rate was 15 lb S per acre (which also included 13 lb/a N, as ammonium). Nitrogen (50 lb/a) was side-dressed as Urea at the full bloom stage (R2). The foliar fungicide Priaxor, at a rate of 4 fluid ounces per acre was applied at R2. The trials were planted in 2014 and 2015, with a small plot seeder with 14 inch row spacing.

The full season (0.9 RM) yielded 53.6 bu/a compared with the early variety with 47.9 bu/a. The two varieties responded differently to tile drainage. Both varieties had more vigor, were greener, and the earlier variety was taller on tiled ground. The yield for the early variety grown on tiled ground was significantly higher (4%) than on the non-tiled ground.

In the beginning of the season a number of treatments resulted in more vigorous and greener plants than the control. The plants in the control treatment ended up shorter compared with treatments that had sulfur included. The control yielded 49.6 bu/a. Adding seed treatment, significantly increased the yield to 51.2 bushels per acre, a 3% increase compared with no seed treatment. Foliar fungicide or biological treatment yields were not different to the ‘only seed treated’ treatment.
There were significant yield differences between the no fertilizer treatment and the application of 50 lb N/a at the R2 growth stage (3.3% increase in yield) and the combination of 13 lb N + 15 lb S at planting and 50 lb/a of N at R2, resulting in a 4.3% yield increase. However, the additional revenue from the extra yield was not enough to pay for the extra input and application costs .
Conclusions
• It is important to select an appropriate full season soybean variety. In this trial, the full season variety yielded 12% more compared with the early maturing variety.
• Soybean varieties respond different to tile drainage. The early variety (0.4 RM) yielded significantly more with tile compared to no tile.
• Seed treatment resulted in a significant yield increase and an increase net return.
• Although there were slight significant increases in yield for some treatments, the extra expense of the inputs were not compensated for by the yield increase and resulted in a lower net return.

View uploaded report

• It is important to select an appropriate full season soybean variety. In this trial, the full season variety yielded 12% more compared with the early maturing variety.
• Soybean varieties respond different to tile drainage. The early variety (0.4 RM) yielded significantly more with tile compared to no tile.
• Seed treatment resulted in a significant yield increase and an increase net return.
• Although there were slight significant increases in yield for some treatments, the extra expense of the inputs were not compensated for by the yield increase and resulted in a lower net return.