The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) is seeking 20 farmers to participate in a study of practices affecting the soybean yield gap. That's the difference between current farm yield and potential yield as determined by climate, soil, and genetics. An analysis of survey responses from over 2000 soybean producers indicated a 20%-30% yield gap for soybean. The analysis also revealed a number of agronomic practices that, for a given soil-climate context, could be fine-tuned to close the gap and improve profit from soybean.
In Nebraska, three practices have been identified as being important for improving yield and producer profit. These practices relate to planting date, seeding rate, and the use of foliar fungicides and insecticides.
The study is seeking 20 growers in eastern Nebraska to test "improved" practices versus "baseline" practices in 2019 and 20 again for 2020.
Participating growers will be provided some monetary compensation.
To participate, contact Nebraska Educators and NOFRN Co-coordinators Keith Glewen (402-624-8030, kglewen1@unl.edu) or Laura Thompson (402-245-2224, laura.thompson@unl.edu), or your local extension educator.
