2021
PA Soybean On Farm Network
Contributor/Checkoff:
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
DiseaseField management Pest
Lead Principal Investigator:
Paul Esker, Pennsylvania State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
R2021-04; OSP 220128
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Institution Funded:
Brief Project Summary:
Pennsylvania soybean production has increased approximately 30% since 2009, when the Pennsylvania Soybean On-Farm Network conducted the first set of trials. The Pennsylvania Soybean On-Farm Network focuses on conducting field trials both on Penn State University Research Farms that is then validated on-farm using grower production practices. This two-tiered approach has been very valuable to show that the results obtained using small plot trials correlated with those on-farm, using long strips. Furthermore, current results based on Pennsylvania production practices also correlate closely with trials conducted in other states across the soybean production region.
Key Beneficiaries:
#agronomists, #extension agents, #farmers
Unique Keywords:
#agronomy, #best management practices, #on-farm research
Information And Results
Project Summary

Pennsylvania soybean production has increased approximately 30% since 2009, when the Pennsylvania (PA) Soybean On-Farm Network conducted the first set of trials (http://pasoybean.org/checkoff-at-work/research/on-farm-network/). Soybean production value has ranged from just under $200 million to well over $300 million, depending on the year and the price received. The Pennsylvania Soybean On-Farm Network focuses on conducting field trials both on Penn State University Research Farms that is then validated on-farm using grower production practices. This two-tiered approach has been very valuable to show that the results obtained using small plot trials correlated with those on-farm, using long strips. Furthermore, current results based on PA production practices also correlate closely with trials conducted in other states across the soybean production region. The soybean on-farm network increased greatly in 2018 and 2019, incorporating several new projects that address questions and comments provided by producers during the summer and winter workshops in 2017. Plans for 2020, while impacted for by the COVID-19 pandemic, were still successful as the team continued research efforts. Extension efforts were limited to virtual methods. Looking forward to 2021, we are building off of previous knowledge to develop a new seed treatment trial that also incorporates aspects of the microbiome. The majority of our projects in 2021 continue from 2020 and indicators are such that we will be able to do increased in-person workshops and trainings later in the growing season. The combination of research, education, and extension provides for a unique team approach that includes approximately 20 PSU campus-based faculty, as well as extension educators located around the state.

Project Objectives

1. Conduct field monitoring for best management practices for slugs.
2. Conduct field studies to look at the effect of Ilevo seed treatment on risk factors like sudden death syndrome and nematodes, as well as the interaction with the microbiome.
3. Evaluate soybean response to no-tillage deep ripping practices.
4. Evaluate soybean response to good inoculation practices.
5. Conduct field testing of new products and management methods.
6. Integrate different cover crops into standing soybean to improve nitrogen sequestration.
7. Conduct summer and winter educational and extension activities.

Project Deliverables

Progress Of Work

Updated August 20, 2021:

View uploaded report PDF file

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.