Killing Your Soybeans Softly: Desiccating for Harvest
Some farmers are desiccating soybeans to help with harvest. Are they losing yield when they do it? Desiccating soybeans is more common in the Mississippi Delta regions where warm, humid climates affect soybean development. Soybean researchers across the country have been studying desiccation timings to help identify when and if a desiccant can be used to help with harvest but not hurt yields. There are some differences from north to south. Those differences will be discussed.
Speaker
Chad Lee
Chad is an Extension Professor and Grain Crops Agronomist at the University of Kentucky. He also is the director of the Grain and Forage Center of Excellence. Dr. Lee has worked on no-till and reduced till management of corn, soybeans, wheat and rye. Some of the latest research has focused on cover crops and nitrogen and sulfur management in corn. Dr. Lee grew up on a grain and hog farm where he was active in 4-H and FFA. Chad and his family live outside of Lexington, KY. His wife teaches 3rd grade and they currently have two daughters in college and one in high school.