Production practices that maximize soybean yield: What we have learned from the North Carolina soybean yield contest

Abstract

Agronomic production practices associated with high-yielding soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in North Carolina can be used to inform production recommendations across the southeastern United States. The 877 individual entries submitted from 2002 to 2019 into the North Carolina Soybean Yield Contest (SYC) were analyzed with the objectives to describe the production practices associated with high-yielding soybean in North Carolina and to identify management strategies for increasing soybean yield in the southeastern U.S. region. From 2002 to 2019, SYC entries averaged 4,379 kg ha–1. The three most important management practices influencing soybean yield were maturity group (MG), foliar fungicide use, and planting date. Using a MG IV or earlier variety provided a 1,199 kg ha–1 yield advantage across all entries. When MG ≤ IV was used, foliar fungicide use provided a 754 kg ha–1 yield protection and when MG > IV was used fungicide use provided a 640 kg ha–1 yield protection. Planting dates earlier than 12 May generally provided more yield benefit when earlier maturing varieties were used. Herbicide and insecticide use, irrigation, fungicidal and inoculant seed treatments, tillage, and row spacing were less important predictors of soybean yield. Soybean producers can implement several of these identified management strategies without additional economic investment in an effort to increase soybean yield and profitability in the southeastern U.S. region.