Water use of interseeded cover crops in rainfed maize–soybean rotations in the Northern U.S. doi: 10.3389/fagro.2026.1761663
As cover crop adoption increases across rainfed maize–soybean rotations in the upper Midwest, producers frequently express concern that interseeded cover crops will deplete critical soil moisture needed by main crops during key growth stages. To evaluate this potential tradeoff, researchers conducted multi-site field trials from 2016 to 2019 evaluating interseeded cereal rye, a two-species rye-clover mix, and a three-species rye-clover-radish mix against fallow controls to track soil water content, seasonal evapotranspiration (ET), and crop yields. The study found that cover crop ET ranged between 52 and 110 mm—70% of which was simple soil evaporation—compared to much higher ET requirements for maize (364–516 mm) and soybean (378–503 mm). Because weather conditions limited cover crop biomass accumulation in most years, interseeding had little to no measurable impact on soil water availability or subsequent cash crop yields. The authors conclude that late-interseeded cover crops present minimal risk of moisture competition in northern rainfed rotations, offering growers a reliable strategy to integrate cover crops without compromising main crop productivity.
Soybean plant population density recommendations across the United States. DOI: 10.1002/cft2.70118
As rising seed costs now account for up to 35% of operational expenses in soybean production, optimizing seeding rates has become a primary lever for protecting farm profitability. This nationwide Extension management guide synthesizes key factors driving yield response to plant population density (PPD) and summarizes seeding recommendations from land-grant university agronomists across major U.S. growing regions. Because soybeans possess high phenotypic plasticity, individual plants compensate for lower population densities by increasing branching and pod production, ultimately maintaining full yield potential across a broad range of plant counts. The authors conclude that producers should set seeding targets based on desired final plant population densities adjusted for local germination and expected stand loss, allowing growers to reduce unnecessary seed expenditures without sacrificing yield or net economic returns.
Assessing the influence of environmental drivers on soybean seed yield and nitrogen fixation estimates and uncertainties in the United States. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2024.127428
While soybean yield and nitrogen fixation are critical for global food security, their success depends heavily on a complex interaction between climate and soil. By analyzing environmental drivers across the United States, this study quantifies the uncertainties in how different regions produce seed yield and manage nitrogen. The researchers found that local environmental conditions significantly influence these outcomes, suggesting that farmers should move beyond general estimates and use site-specific data to better predict crop performance and soil health.
Redefining soybean critical period for yield determination. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2024.109662
Identifying the exact window when a crop is most vulnerable to stress is vital for maximizing yield, yet traditional definitions for soybeans have often been imprecise. This study re-evaluates the soybean 'critical period' for yield determination to provide a more accurate timeline for when the plant is most sensitive to environmental conditions. By redefining this window, the research offers a more precise tool for farmers to time their irrigation and nutrient applications, ensuring the crop is protected during its most impactful stage of growth.
Commercial biostimulant seed treatments showed minimal impact on soybean seed yield across the United States. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110170
As farmers look for ways to boost yields, biological seed treatments have become a popular but often unproven investment. This large-scale study tested commercial biostimulant seed treatments across a wide range of environments in the United States to determine their actual effectiveness. The results revealed that these treatments had minimal impact on final soybean seed yield, leading the authors to conclude that current biostimulants may not be the reliable 'silver bullet' many hope for, emphasizing the need for more rigorous testing before adoption.
Agronomic and economic trade‐offs of integrating camelina into the corn–soybean rotation. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.70055
While traditional corn-soybean rotations are the standard in the Midwest, diversifying these systems could provide significant environmental and economic benefits. This research examines the trade-offs of integrating camelina‚ a cold-hardy oilseed crop‚ into existing farming cycles. By weighing agronomic productivity against market costs, the study highlights that while camelina offers ecological advantages, its success depends on balancing potential economic risks with the long-term benefits of a more resilient and diverse crop rotation.
Insights into management and physiological determinants of lowest pod height in soybean. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.21702
Mechanical harvesting efficiency is often limited by how low the pods grow on a soybean plant, as pods near the soil surface are frequently missed by the combine. This paper investigates the management and physiological factors that determine the height of the lowest pods. By identifying the specific conditions that cause pods to grow higher off the ground, the researchers provide a roadmap for farmers and breeders to reduce harvest waste and improve the overall 'collectability' of the crop.
Phosphorus management strategies for corn and soybean in the Upper US Midwest. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.70054
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for crop growth, but improper management can lead to both economic waste and environmental pollution. This study evaluated various phosphorus application strategies for corn and soybean rotations specifically in the Upper US Midwest. The findings suggest that by shifting away from general fertilizer recommendations and adopting more nuanced, targeted management practices, farmers can maintain high yields while reducing costs and minimizing the environmental footprint of their nutrient use.
Harvest aid applied at soybean growth stage R7 rarely impacted seed, protein, or oil yield. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.70109
Harvest aids are often used to speed up the drying of soybeans, but their impact on the actual quality of the seed has remained a point of debate. By testing chemical applications at the R7 growth stage, this study looked for changes in seed yield, protein, and oil content across multiple sites. The researchers found that these chemicals rarely impacted the final harvest quality, suggesting that while harvest aids may improve the speed of the operation, they do not necessarily improve the nutritional value of the beans.
High-throughput phenotyping of soybean (Glycine max) transpiration response curves to rising atmospheric drying in a mapping population. https://doi.org/10.1071/FP23281
As global temperatures rise and the air becomes drier, crops that can withstand 'atmospheric thirst' will be essential for future food security. This research used high-throughput technology to map how different soybean varieties respond to increasing atmospheric drying through their transpiration rates. The study identified specific genetic traits that help certain plants conserve water during dry periods, providing a vital tool for breeders to develop new soybean varieties that are better adapted to a changing and more arid climate.
The soybean growth cycle: Important risks and management strategies. https://doi.org/10.1002/cft2.70086
Successfully managing a soybean crop requires a comprehensive understanding of the entire growth cycle and the unique risks present at each stage. This guide synthesizes current knowledge on the soybean life cycle to identify critical management windows and potential threats from planting to harvest. The authors conclude that by adopting a proactive strategy that anticipates these growth-stage risks, farmers can more effectively protect their crops and ensure a more stable and profitable harvest year after year.
How changes in cover crop termination timing affect soybean yield? A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109876
While cover crops are essential for soil health, the timing of their termination can have unexpected consequences for the following soybean crop's yield. Through a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing research, this study identifies how different termination dates influence the success of the subsequent harvest. The paper concludes that to maximize both soil benefits and soybean yields, farmers must move away from fixed schedules and instead adopt flexible termination strategies based on local environmental and crop conditions.
Is early always better? Assessing soybean planting date in Minnesota. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.70076
In northern climates like Minnesota, the window for planting is narrow, leading many farmers to believe that planting as early as possible is always the best strategy. This research assesses the actual yield benefits of early soybean planting across various environments. The study reveals that while early planting often pays off, it also carries risks that can negate its benefits, suggesting that planting dates should be chosen based on a careful assessment of local soil and weather data rather than a 'one-size-fits-all' approach.
Impact of sulfur and nitrogen fertilization on seed composition of soybean. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1572255
As the demand for high-quality plant-based protein grows, understanding how fertilization affects the chemical makeup of soybeans is more important than ever. This study examines the impact of sulfur and nitrogen applications on the protein and oil composition of soybean seeds. The results show that targeted fertilization can significantly influence the nutritional quality of the crop, highlighting an opportunity for farmers to produce more valuable, nutrient-dense beans for the global food industry.
Evaluating the impact of cover cropping and late-season N applications on soybean growth and biological N fixation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109960
Soybeans are valued for their ability to pull nitrogen from the atmosphere, but the use of cover crops and late-season fertilizers can alter this natural process. This research evaluates how these common management practices impact soybean growth and biological nitrogen fixation. The findings suggest that while late-season nitrogen can boost growth, it may also suppress the plant's natural nitrogen-fixing ability, underscoring the need for a balanced approach that optimizes both external inputs and the plant's internal biology.
Impacts of rotation, tillage, cover cropping, and drainage on soil health in soybean-based cropping systems: Evidence from 4–50-year trials across the US. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2025.109950
Improving soil health is a long-term endeavor, yet the impact of different farming practices is often measured over only a few seasons. By analyzing data from trials spanning 4 to 50 years across the U.S., this study reveals how crop rotation, tillage, and cover cropping fundamentally reshape soil health over decades. The paper concludes that the most significant improvements come from consistent, multi-decade commitments to sustainable practices, proving that long-term data is essential for managing the soil that supports our global food systems.
Soybean yield response to management practices (4–40 years) and soil health parameters. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109959
The relationship between soil health and actual crop yield is often assumed but rarely quantified over the long term. This study connects 40 years of management data with modern soil health parameters to see which practices truly drive soybean productivity. The researchers found that while soil health is a strong indicator of long-term stability, yield is still highly dependent on specific management choices, emphasizing that farmers must manage for both immediate production and the long-term vitality of their land.
Estimated soybean yield and economic losses caused by diseases in the United States and Ontario, Canada, from 2020 to 2024. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-09-25-0227-RS
Diseases remain one of the greatest threats to soybean productivity, causing massive economic losses that are often underestimated by the general public. This report provides a detailed estimate of the yield and financial losses caused by soybean diseases across the United States and Ontario, Canada, from 2020 to 2024. By quantifying these impacts, the study highlights the urgent need for continued investment in disease-resistant crop varieties and more effective management strategies to protect the livelihoods of North American farmers.
Genomic and phenomic prediction for soybean seed yield, protein, and oil. https://doi.org/10.1002/tpg2.70002
To feed a growing population, plant breeders must be able to quickly and accurately predict which soybean varieties will perform best before they are even planted. This research uses a combination of genetic data and high-tech plant imaging to predict seed yield, protein, and oil content. The study demonstrates that these advanced 'genomic and phenomic' tools can significantly speed up the breeding process, allowing for the development of higher-yielding and more nutritious soybean crops in a fraction of the traditional time.