Improving Profitability

BY CAROL BROWN

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) On-Farm Network® represents research for farmers by farmers. The team conducts research on 250 to 300 farms annually. They ensure their tests on cropping systems and new technologies continue to be relevant to farmers.

“Farmers are the greatest innovators, and we are always receptive to ideas from them on new practices and approaches,” says Scott Nelson, On-Farm Network director. “Farmers can improve profitability by either reducing input costs or by significantly increasing yields. The On-Farm Network is active in both

areas to help farmers sift through products and technologies to find the best management practices for better soybean and corn yields.”

The team is especially interested in using reduced tillage (e.g. striptill) and cover crops for better soil health. On average, Iowa loses about 6 tons of topsoil per year to erosion. This equates to each generation of a farm family handing down 1 inch less topsoil to the next. Although reduced tillage and cover crops require different management decisions, farmers must find ways to make these systems profitable and sustainable for future generations, Nelson says.

Cover crop combo Dan De Vries has been conducting trials with the On- Farm Network on his farm near Prairie City in central Iowa. He is seeing improvement on his farm by using cover crops.

“I can say that my soil tilth and organic matter are improving,” says De Vries. “Using cover crops in combination with no-till, I have fewer conservation challenges.”

De Vries also uses cover crops for grazing which he sees as a significant benefit on top of his soil improvement.

Dan De Vries examines his cover crops on his farm near Prairie City in central Iowa.

Joseph L. Murphy/Iowa Soybean Association

“The On-Farm Network team makes the connection of what farmers are doing on their farms with what the industry thinks is important for research,” De Vries says. “We, as farmers, can provide proof from real fields as to which products are working to produce the highest yielding crops.”

New studies in 2018

Two new seed treatment studies conducted this year with cooperating farmers show significant promise.

Early results from the Nemastrike seed treatment testing resulted in a consistent 2- to 6-bushel response in soybeans. In corn, Nemastrike wasn’t as consistent, but showed a significant response at some locations.

Another seed treatment trial involved novel inoculants for soybeans. Co-inoculation is a phenomenon in soybeans where inoculation with a freeliving, nitrogen-fixing bacterium called azospirillum increases nodule formation. More soybean nodules could mean more nitrogen available to the plant and an increase in yield. Results from early testing indicate a 2-bushel advantage to in-furrow co-inoculation with azospirillum.

“While this response seems small, inoculation with azospirillum is relatively inexpensive with a high potential for return on investment,” Nelson says.

Scott Nelson, director of ISA's On-Farm Network.

Joseph L. Murphy/Iowa Soybean Association

Another research project showing potential is remote sensing. It could dramatically improve farmer understanding of management zones for variable rate technology as well as yield prediction.

The ISA Analytics team made some breakthrough discoveries in identifying novel approaches to characterizing light interception throughout the season.

The team is also looking at soybean protein content. Soybeans grown in Iowa are known to have lower protein compared to soybeans produced in Brazil. They are studying this phenomenon to develop practices that could increase protein levels.

Using noncheckoff dollars, the On-Farm Network is working in the variable rate nitrogen arena. Researchers say variable rate nitrogen in corn represents a significant opportunity to increase total farm yields and possibly reduce input costs. Through tests this year, some locations were very responsive to variable rate nitrogen with profit advantages ranging

from $20-$30 per acre. However, variable rate nitrogen may not fit every farm. The team also made a significant effort to demonstrate and research optimum nitrogen rates at a localized and regional level.

The team established a series of trials involving manure timing and application techniques, including the logistics of side-dressing manure. Results showed no loss in corn yield with side-dressed manure and a significant yield response at some locations.

The On- Farm Network team has trials planned for 2019, including studies on variable rate nitrogen, new seed treatments, manure management, soybean variable rate seeding as well as a variety of new products such as a new form of potassium fertilizer.

The team is always interested in ideas from ISA farmer members, Nelson says. To conduct a trial or discuss a new approach to test, email: research@iasoybeans.com.

Contact Carol Brown at cbrown@ iasoybeans.com.