Effects of Introduction of Feed Grains into Mid South Soybean Production Systems Effects of Introduction of Feed Grains into Mid South Soybean Production Systems Bobby R. Golden Delta Research and Extension Center

Participants Jeremy Ross – U of A, State Soybean Specialist Jeremy Ross – U of A, State Soybean Specialist Josh Lofton – LSU AgCenter, Agronomist Josh Lofton – LSU AgCenter, Agronomist Gene Stevens – Mizzou Delta Center, Agronomist Gene Stevens – Mizzou Delta Center, Agronomist Clark Neely – TAMU, State Wheat Specialist Clark Neely – TAMU, State Wheat Specialist Ronnie Schnell – TAMU, Cropping Systems Spec. Ronnie Schnell – TAMU, Cropping Systems Spec. Trent Irby – MSU, State Soybean Specialist Trent Irby – MSU, State Soybean Specialist Larry Falconer – MSU, Extension Economist Larry Falconer – MSU, Extension Economist Bobby Golden – MSU, Delta Agronomist/Soil Fertility Bobby Golden – MSU, Delta Agronomist/Soil Fertility

Graduate Students Part Time Post Doc – Stephen Kaikare, MSU Part Time Post Doc – Stephen Kaikare, MSU Richard Turner – MSU, Masters Richard Turner – MSU, Masters Potential Post Doc, or Associate yet to be filled, will be housed at the DREC at MSU Potential Post Doc, or Associate yet to be filled, will be housed at the DREC at MSU – Have spoken with one potential candidate – Very difficult to find.

Other Cooperation Pioneer Hybrid – Will provide the corn Hybrid (P1637), Soybean (49T97R) and Grain Sorghum (83P17) for the duration of the project. Pioneer Hybrid – Will provide the corn Hybrid (P1637), Soybean (49T97R) and Grain Sorghum (83P17) for the duration of the project. Soil analysis conducted by LSU AgCenter Soil analysis conducted by LSU AgCenter Nematode Analysis conducted by U of A Nematode Analysis conducted by U of A – Soils currently being processed for first year

Rational The dramatic increase in corn acreage in the Mid- South and the resulting agronomic and economic impact of incorporating corn into Mid-South soybean production systems. The dramatic increase in corn acreage in the Mid- South and the resulting agronomic and economic impact of incorporating corn into Mid-South soybean production systems. The unique problems and management issues that may result from a rotational system of soybean and grain crops, and the incorporation of wheat in a double-cropping production scheme. The unique problems and management issues that may result from a rotational system of soybean and grain crops, and the incorporation of wheat in a double-cropping production scheme.

Why Numerous research out of the Midwest suggests that both corn and soybean benefit as a rotation partner. Numerous research out of the Midwest suggests that both corn and soybean benefit as a rotation partner. Does this hold true in Southern U.S. Climates when cultivation occurs on low organic matter soils Does this hold true in Southern U.S. Climates when cultivation occurs on low organic matter soils Overall lack of long term rotational research with Corn in the Mid South. Overall lack of long term rotational research with Corn in the Mid South.

Breakdown of Treatments – Trial Level

Breakdown of Treatments – Replicate Level

Breakdown of Treatments – Experimental Unit Residue Management Residue Management – Harvest and Burn – Harvest, shred and Hip These are the two most common practices of residue management in Mississippi. These are the two most common practices of residue management in Mississippi.

Why are we interested in Residue Management? How we handle corn stubble may influence our overall soil quality. How we handle corn stubble may influence our overall soil quality. Residue management may have a distinct effect on soil test sulfur. Residue management may have a distinct effect on soil test sulfur. Corn residue management may impact soybean yield Corn residue management may impact soybean yield

Outputs Soil Testing Soil Testing – Total N&C, Mehlich-3 Extractable Nutrients, Soil pH, Nematode analysis BMP Approach BMP Approach – Fertilization level based on State Recommendations. Commodity Tracking for Economics Commodity Tracking for Economics – Determine economic optimum rotation

Year 1 Update

Year 1 Production Issues Greater Mid-South

Year 1 Production Issues – Greater Mid-South

Year 1 Production Issues - Texas

Year 1 – Soybean Baseline Yield LocationLatitude Mean Soybean grain yield Irrigated Rainfed Bushels/acre Stoneville Portageville St. Joseph Pine Tree Newport Brooksville LSD P-value< Soybean yields were greatly influenced by irrigation in 2014, even with all the rainfall. Low yields at Newport location were directly attributed to vast amounts of rainfall and drainage. Texas results were not included due to Dicamba drift contamination

Dicamba Drift at Texas A&M Did not include College Station soybean data in overall analysis for 2014 Average yield 53.3 bu/ac – Yields ranged from 30 to 63 bu/ac

Year 1 – Corn Yield LocationLatitude Mean corn grain yield Bushels/acre Stoneville Portageville College Station St. Joseph Pine Tree Newport Brooksville LSD P-value< No Statistical response was observed to irrigation for corn in Low corn yields at Newport and Brooksville were due to vast amounts of rainfall and drainage issues.

Year 1 - Grain Sorghum Yields LocationLatitude Mean corn grain yield Bushels/acre College Station Portageville Pine Tree Brooksville St. Joseph Newport LSD P-value< No Milo was harvested in 2014 at Stoneville due to severe damage from sugarcane aphid. Low corn yields at Newport were do to abundant rainfall

Summary Baseline year for rotations went well at most locations, but a few hiccups. – Brooksville - farm crew disked before burning, burning was attempted – College Station – Dicamba Drift from farm crew – Newport – Environmental conditions – Most locations Milo suffered from bird and sugarcane aphid damage – No response to irrigation for corn was observed.

It Takes a Team

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