The U.S. Soybean Extension Specialist working group (Science for Success) has been intentional about identifying best management practice focuses that will have national impact. In 2020 and 2021, the two collaborative research projects resulted in >10 states participating across the United States for a total of >40 site-years captured over two years. That research was summarized and is available in a variety of formats including publications, videos, and webinars available on the SRIN website in addition to our local Extension channels. Each year, the group collectively identifies two topics to focus research. The two topic areas of focus for this project in the upcoming years were identified as soybean N-fixation (2021 and 2022; previously funded by Iowa Soybean Association) and biological seed treatments (2022 and 2023; focus for this proposal). These trials are now finished and are being summarized now. In late 2023 or early 2024, an additional research focus will be determined for the 2024 and 2025 growing seasons.

1. Generate robust soybean best management recommendations through national collaborative research
2. Distribute high-quality information to soybean producers locally and across the U.S. on emerging best management practices

It is planned to participate in the collaborative USB project and conduct one or two trials as decided upon by the collaboration. The trial(s) will be conducted at the Ag Engineering and Agronomy Research Farm near Boone, IA.

Update:
Iowa collaborations for the the 2024 growing season include field trials investigating soybean harvest timing and soybean desiccation impacts on grain yield and seed quality. The trials will be conducted near Kanawha, IA. Each trial has 2 planting dates and 2 maturity groups as treatments. Harvest timing is targeted for 16%, 13%, and 10% grain moisture. Desiccation timings are at full seed fill, beginning maturity, and no desiccation. Coordinated through the Amplifying Extension Impact: Agronomists Collaboratively Delivering Soybean Best Management Practices project funded by USB there are plans for capturing video and images for illustrating the plant growth and seed quality effects of these treatments.

The economic impact and significance of the outcomes derived from this study will lead to an increased ability for farmers and industry advisors to make better in-season decisions for soybean management. Furthermore, agronomists would be able to learn which soybean growing environments respond to individual management practices to be able to better advise farmers on new or evolving management practices. Overall, this study will lead to continued collaboration between soybean extension specialists from across the U.S., leading to developed of best management practices for resilient productivity and increased profitability in an ever-competitive global market.