Last year, we thought our soybeans were not ready to run, but when we finally pulled into the first field, they were 11% and we saw too much shattering. Why does that happen? What are options for reducing shattering this year?

 

The Indiana certified crop adviser panel answering this question includes Dan Ritter, Dairyland Seed agronomist, Rensselaer; Bryan Overstreet, soil conservation coordinator, Rensselaer; and Steve Gauck, Beck’s agronomist, Greensburg.

 

Ritter: There are several reasons for seeing what I am assuming are green stems and drier-than-expected soybeans. One reason could be that you have healthy beans, or healthy beans due to fungicide applications and late-season rains, especially after a dry spell. In other cases, there is a limited sink, and the plant is functioning well.

 

A timely late-season scouting trip may help identify fields where this is an issue. Begin harvest according to soybean seed moisture and not stem appearance.

 

A more intense management option might be to identify those fields and desiccate at the R7 to R8 stage. Data from the Dairyland Seed research farm would indicate this could add a small yield increase, and ultimately, could help with the harvestability issue.

 

Overstreet: I would recommend that you do a sample harvest earlier to see when you get closer to 13% moisture. If you cut the soybeans over 13% moisture, you may receive a dock at the elevator. However, it may be less money lost in the long run than the shatter loss and the loss of water in the soybean. You are also losing water weight that you will not get paid for as moisture drops below 13%.

 

Gauck: Pod shattering in soybeans is normally caused by stress conditions that can accelerate plant senescence. A soybean plant can be stressed by many things, including soil compaction, dry weather, insect feeding and poor fertility. Many times, these stressors can cause soybeans to look green from the road, but the pods are dry.

 

Scouting all season helps stay ahead of stressors and prioritize harvest. Act during the season to control insects and diseases. Target harvest moisture closer to 13% to 14% to help reduce shattering. Be timely with harvest, slow your harvest speed, and make sure your reel is 6 to 12 inches in front of your cutter bar.