LSU AgCenter 2022 Soybean Core Block Data

By David O. Mosley

LSU AgCenter

The 2022 LSU AgCenter soybean core block data is now available online. The data from previous years is also available at the LSU AgCenter. The soybean core block consists of three groups of soybean maturities (MG 3, 4, and 5). In 2022, the MG 3 core block consisted of nine varieties between relative maturities of 4.0 – 4.4. The MG 4 core block consisted of 15 varieties between relative maturities of 4.5-4.9. The MG 5 core block consisted of seven varieties between the relative maturities of 5.2-5.6. Across all locations and maturity groups, there were 34 demonstrations conducted across the state. The average yield across all locations and varieties was 48 bushels per acre. The statewide core block average in 2022 indicates the final statewide soybean yield may be down this year compared to 2020 and 2021. A decrease in yield in 2022 was expected due to the heat and drought stress in the summer and the excess of rain in August and September. Major differences in yield between the varieties can be seen in one of the Franklin Parish core block demonstrations for each maturity group. If irrigation water has high salt or chlorides, soybean salt includers (varieties that cannot tolerate high chloride levels) will be subject to increased damage and lower yields. Due to the drought in 2022, the salt content caused severe damage to salt includers in Franklin Parish and the salt ratings can be found online for that individual location. In addition, each year the OVT varieties are screened for chloride sensitivity at the Macon Ridge Research Station and published in the Soybean Variety Yields and Production Practices book.