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by Tana Shealey

Some of us may not realize it, but agriculture is big business in Alabama. 

According to a recent article by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industry, led by Lowndes County native Commissioner Rick Pate, reveals that forestry and agriculture generate about 77.3 billion dollars annually in the state. That puts agriculture and forestry among the top leading industries in the state. 

The top crops produced in Alabama include peanuts, cotton, corn and soybeans. To these producers, learning to sow for the highest yields is key. Agronomic Crops Regional Extension Agent Christy Hicks helps with that educational process. For example, Hicks teaches soybean producers to watch their planting dates and nitrogen applications. 

“Planting soybeans early is one of the best ways to increase yield. The soybean plant will set more pods with more seeds per pod if the plant is blooming and setting pods around June 21,” Hicks said. “This is because June 21 has the most daylight of any day of the year. Also, the plant yields better if it is not going through the reproductive stage during the hottest/driest time of the summer.”

Hicks also cautions that soybean producers take careful stock of nitrogen use.

“The main reason for not over-applying nitrogen to soybeans is that the soybean plant has nodules that will provide some nitrogen to the beans. If the plant has too much nitrogen early on, the plant is less likely to produce its own nitrogen,” Hicks said.

Research shows a different plan is needed for some soybeans, though. 

“Very high yielding soybeans will need additional nitrogen, but for yields 50 – 60 bushels per acre, no extra nitrogen is necessary unless the soybeans do not have nodules. It’s important to inoculate soybeans, this introduces beneficial bacteria to the soil which help plants form nodules,” Hicks said. 

Hicks has additional tips for farmers, especially beginning farmers learning to sow:

The optimum soil temperatures for planting are:

• Cotton – 65 degrees at four-inch depth for three consecutive days;
• Soybeans – can plant early system beans after the last frost date, soils as cold as 42 degrees and as warm as 95 degrees; 
• Peanuts – 68 degrees at 4 inches for three consecutive days; and
• Sorghum – 65 degrees at seeding depth.

Weed control information

One option for ryegrass that has escaped burn-down is using clethodim (full rate) with AMS and MSO, if control still needed then apply full rate of paraquat. Ryegrass has likely reached the seeding out stage which makes it even more difficult to control. If planting corn, clethodim has a 30 day wait.

Weed control in corn, atrazine still the backbone of our program applying at plant and then putting another application 28 days later. Using Group 15 and Group 27, herbicides provide the best extended control for morning-glories. As always, read the label before applying.

If glyphosate and AMS did not provide a good kill, the AMS could have burned the plant causing the plant not to absorb enough glyphosate to terminate. Will need to use a contact herbicide to finish the job.

A Word on Chicken Litter

Normally a 3-3-2 analysis is needed, so one ton provides 60 pounds of nitrogen, 60 pounds of phosphorus and 40 pounds of potassium..

When is it available?  Roughly 60% of nitrogen, 80% of phosphorus and 80% of potassium are available in the first year.

Around 25% of the nitrogen is available in the two – three weeks after application. Use it if you can find it.

Using Soybeans and Nitrogen

• For yields between 50 – 60 bushels per acre, extra nitrogen is not likely needed.
• For yields between 60 – 80 bushels/acre 0 – 30 pounds nitrogen may be needed.
• Field yields between 80 – 100 bushels per acre 30 – 60 pounds nitrogen may be needed
• For 100 bushels more or less, 60 pounds of nitrogen may be needed.
• Planting early is the best way to increase soybeans yields.  Soybeans need to be flowering/setting pods around June 21st. 

For more information on this subject, or to receive help from Regional Extension Agent Christy Hicks, call our office at 334-548-2315 or e-mail Christy at Christy.hicks@auburn.edu.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider. All are welcome! 

Tana Shealey is Lowndes County Extension Director.