Louisiana Grain Research Looks to Save $$$$

by Don Molino

One area of soybean research funded through the Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board is the various soybean planting dates.

LSU Extension Service Soybean Specialist Dr. Ronnie Levy says there is a lot of interest in when soybeans are put into the ground.   "A lot of this research in the past several years has looked at moving planting dates earlier and earlier," says Levy.

"Because of a lot of things that take place in soybean production we've seen higher yields in being able to plant early. Same thing as we see in other crops," according to Levy.

Levy goes on to point out with cool temperatures and wet soils facing soybean producers early in the season "there are some considerations that need to be addressed."

"We are also looking at plant populations where we're looking at the different seeding rates and hopefully we'll be able to somewhat cut back on the amount of seed that's planted," says Levy, "and that could look at saving producers money on their input costs in producing their crop."

(This report is a service of the Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board)