Louisiana Soybean Crop Needs Moisture In Some Areas

By Don Molino

Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network

Louisiana soybean producers had some dicey moments at the start of this years planting season. But LSU AgCenter/Extension Service Soybean Specialist Dr. David Moseley reports the crop has improved throughout the season.

“The main thing that’s been holding us back, that I’ve seen, is the continuous rains have kept the soil saturated,” says Moseley. “And with saturated soils they’re going to have different problems including low soil oxygen levels and also just difficulty in making applications.

“But there are some areas that have missed rain and I’ve see some producers are irrigating. If your soils need moisture it’s important to maintain adequate soil moisture until the R6.5 stage. Taht’s about when the plant is going to start getting close to senescing.

“It’s OK at that point to not maintain adequate soil moisture. But it’s very important to maintain soil moisture until you get to that point or you’ll start to lose some dry matter and you’ll lose some yield.”

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