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Improving drought resiliency in soybeans

A soybean specialist with University of Missouri Extension says finding ways to improve soybean production in drought years is a top priority.

Andre Reis tells Brownfield he wants “to develop or help farmers adopt crop management practices that cope better with the drought in late July and August.”

Reis says every year at this key point in production there will be some dryness that affects crop yield.

“In August, the rainfall is usually below the crop water requirement and the crop will be undergoing a drought in August. Some years more pronounced than others and it will vary by region.”

While the state has received widespread rains this growing season, he says weather extremes are becoming more of the norm and it’s important farmers adapt.

Reis says he’s currently studying stress mitigation looking at plant populations and row spacing, planting dates and maturity groups.