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LIRLCULAI MARCH

1 38 196'

AGRICULTURAL

EXPERIMENT

STATION

A UB U RN
E VSMTH Dirc tor

U N IVE RS IT Y
AuIhurn. Alab~am(

CONTENTS
Page
VARIETY COMPARISON EXPERIMENTS-3 DATE OF PLANTING EXPERIMENTSRATE-OF-SEEDING AND --

5
7

ROW-WIDTH

EXPERIMENTS ----------

FERTILIZER AND LIME EXPERIMENTS---------------------_10 FERTILIZER PLACEMENT EXPERIMENTS--------------------13 SU M M AR Y -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 ACKNOW LEDGM ENTS ----------------------------------LITERATURE CITED ------------------------------------

14 15

FIRST PRINTING

4M,

MARCH

1961

SOYBEANS
OIL in ALABAMA
for
R. D. ROUSE, Soil Chemist

ACREAGE planted for oil in Alabama has increased more than 13 times in the past 20 years, with present acreage more than 130,000. During the same period the State's average yield per acre has doubled to more than 20 bushels. Three counties in southwestern Alabama and two in northeastern Alabama produce 92 per cent of the soybeans for oil. These counties are Baldwin, 85,500 acres; Mobile, 10,800; Escambia, 12,700; Jackson, 8,800; and Madison, 4,800.

SOYBEAN

VARIETY COMPARISON

EXPERIMENTS

Variety tests have been conducted by the Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station in cooperation with the U.S.D.A. Southeastern Regional Soybean Laboratory, Stoneville, Mississippi. Much of this research has been on evaluating new breeding lines. However, only varieties released and named are included in this report. Yields obtained at five locations in Alabama and at certain locations in Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida representing Alabama conditions are given in Table 1. Varieties are grouped into early, midseason, late, and very late maturing, and the relative expected harvest date of each is given. Yield differences of varieties were 20 per cent or more at most locations. Important factors other than yield considered in selecting soybean varieties include oil content, date of maturity, height, disease resistance, and shattering resistance.

TABLE

1.

YIELD OF SOYBEAN

VARIETIES AT NINE LOCATIONS REPRESENTING NORTHERN,

CENTRAL,

AND SOUTHERN AREAS'

Variety

Northern locations Central locations Southern locations Man- Average CosState EprWalnut area, yield all Tallassee Camden FairEpr-Cos ville maturity Mina ment,iGa. Miss. 1946-57 1958 hope Hill, Fla. Floria locations 1952-57 1952-55 1946-49 1952-57 1944-57 1952-57 1952-57 Average Ble

College,
Bu. 24.1 29.2 21.6 24.9

Date

Bu. 16.6 16.7 19.4 17.1 20.1 18.7 17.7

Bu. 18.0 18.4
27.3

Bu.

Bu.

Bu.

Bu.

Bu.

Bu.

Bu. 27.9 24.6

Early Varieties Dorman Dortchsoy 67 Midseason Varieties Hood -L ee - - - - - - Dortchsoy 2
Hale Ogden 2-------

9-30 9-29
10-5

O gden

-------------

10-17 10-7 10-7 10-7 10-30 10-28 10-24

25.7
_

26.3 22.2 24.2 24.8 23.1

29.7 31.3 29.7 __ 30.7 28.3

27.5 24.1 24.1 24.8 28.6

-

26.9

9.9

31.4 31.4 37.2 29.4 32.8 35.0 38.5 30.2 24.6 26.9 23.0

15.3
_

25.7 28.6
28.1 .31.9 24.9 28.2 26.7 27.1

32.1

34.9

25.2

85.2
__

35.3
_

_ 7.3 12.6 11.3 14.2

33.2 33.0 33.3 32.9 34.1 33.8 26.6 28.6 29.7

35.0 34.2 34.0 31.9 24.6

27.2 26.6 27.9 24.7 26.7 26.3 25.8 32.0 25.6

Late Varieties Jackson -----------Roanoke ----------Dortchsoy 31-------Very Late Varieties 2 Bienville ----------Improved

18.7 18.9

J. .W.45 ---------E Yelnando -------1 Ogden

Pelican

11-1
11-3

----

11-1
11-2

27.7
26.3

has been carried at all locations for the periods indicated. Yields of other varieties have been equated to Ogden so that all data are comparable. - Two-year average both locations 1956 and 1957 for very late varieties.

All of the reported varieties have oil content of 21 to 22 per cent. The varietal characteristics other than yield and oil content are discussed in the maturity groups. Early varieties, such as Dorman and Dortchsoy 67, that mature in late September are considered too early for extensive planting in Alabama. However, in the northern tier of counties, there may be situations where a 1- to 5-bushel lower yield may be justified in order to obtain early harvest. Midseason varieties that mature in mid-October are adapted throughout the State. Ogden has been the standard variety for a number of years and yields well in most sections of Alabama. It is not as resistant to shattering as Lee and Hood. The mature beans of Ogden and two selections from Ogden, Dortchsoy 2 and Hale Ogden 2, have a green seedcoat. This is a disadvantage on the export market as compared with other varieties that are yellow. Lee and Hood are recently released varieties (Lee in 1954 and Hood in 1958). In addition to yielding well, they have yellow seedcoats, are shatter resistant and resistant to the more common diseases, such as bacterial pustule and frogeye. Hood matures about 12 days earlier than Lee and is adapted to the northern third of the State. Lee is best adapted to the southern twothirds. Late varieties are adapted to the southern two-thirds of the State and mature in late October. Jackson and Roanoke are 6 to 10 inches taller than Ogden and Lee. This is an advantage on the sandier soils and for late plantings. They are shatter resistant and resistant to common soybean diseases. Dortchsoy 31 is shorter than Ogden and Lee, making harvest difficult. Very late varieties may be of some value in Baldwin and Mobile counties. These varieties include Bienville, Improved Pelican, J. E. W. 45, and Yelnando, all maturing in early November. They grow taller and can be planted later than Jackson. Yields of these varieties are usually lower than Jackson except Bienville, which most nearly resembles Jackson. DATE of PLANTING EXPERIMENTS Studies to determine the best planting dates were conducted at 11 locations in Alabama during 1953-1957. The data for five locations in northern Alabama are given in Table 2and for six locations in southern Alabama are reported in Table 3. In general, average yields for this period were unsatisfactory. A minimum yield of 15 bushels per acre is required for production to be
[5]

TABLE 2. YIELDS OF JACKSON, LEE, AND DORMAN SOYBEANS FROM VARIOUS PLANTING DATES AT FIVE LOCATIONS IN NORTHERN ALABAMA, 1953-57

Location,

sil

type,

and variety

Planting dates and yield per acre April May June July 1 15 1 15 1 15 1 15 Bu. Bu. Bu. Bu.
11
16 14

Bu.
11
16 13

Bu.
6
10 7

Bu.
3
10 12

Bu.

CROSSVILLE-HARTSELLS fsl
Jackson------------------------------6 9 11 Lee---- ------------------------------11 10 13

Dorman -------------------------------22 15 17 BELLE MINA-DECATUR cl Jackson -------- -11 - - -11 12 11 Lee-------------------------------------10 12 14 13 Dorman----------------------------------11 15 16 19
-

6 5

6 16

-

10

4 12

17

6
5

13
6

ALEXANDRIA-LEE sil Jackson --------------------------. 12 15 18 18 Lee----------9 17 20 18 13 Dorman -------------------------. 11 11 12 10 8 WINFIELD-PRENTISS si Ja ck son - - -- - - --- - -- - --- - -- Lee--_--------_ D orm an ------------------------------19 13 7 10
11

9 9 --

6 4 --

-3 8
5

16 11 4 12
9

ALICEVILLE-STOUGH sl Jackson --------------------------------- 11 6 8 --------------------- 10 10 12 Lee---------------Dorman ------------------------------- 6 7 8

8 10
6

8 4

AV. NORTHERN ALABAMA 9 11 12 11 9 5 Jackson .---------------------------------8 10 10 13 16 14 13 10 Lee -----------------------------------Dorm an --------------------------------- 14 11 12 13 12 10 8
1 Jackson:

6
7

7

3-year average on Hartsells and Stough, 2-year average on Decatur, and 1-year average on Lee. Lee : 5-year average on Hartsells and Stough, 4-year average on Decatur, 3-year average on Lee (test conducted on Decatur clay 195354 at Alexandria failed), and 2-year average on Prentiss 1956 and 1957. (Test conducted on Savannah sandy loam 1953 and 1954 at Winfield failed.) Dorman: 2-year average at all locations.

profitable. However, it is pointed out that yields of all summer crops were very low in 1953 and 1954 because of inadequate rainfall. Crop yields statewide were good in 1955, 1956, and 1957, but not good at several locations where soybean experiments were conducted.
These data show that

month for planting. However, for Baldwin and Mobile counties the planting date should be between May 15 and June 15. These results agree with those reported by Hartwig (1).
[6]

for~ most of the State, May

is the best

TABLE 3.

YIELDS OF JACKSON AND LEE SOYBEANS FROM VARIOUS PLANTING DATES AT SIX LOCATIONS IN SOUTHERN ALABAMA, 1953-57

Location, soil type, and variety

Planting dates and yield per acre' April 1 15 Bu. Bu. 11 18 13 12 21 20 9 9 22 14 25 23 17 16 1 May 15 1 June 15 Bu. 1 July 15

Bu. 9 12 13 13 20 16 11 11 24 17 31 30 18 16

Bu. 6 10 12 15 24 14 10 10 22 17 33 33 18 16

Bu. 8 10 15 14 17 18 11 12 18 16 36 31 17 15

Bu.

Bu.

CAMDEN-NORFOLK sl Jackson 10 Lee ................................. 13 PRATTVILLE-GREENVILLE sl 13 JacksonLee 12 AUBURN-NORFOLK ls Jackson 21 Lee 17
-.-...

13 12 17 12 13 11 15 14 35 31 18 16

14 12 11 13 10 13 10 8 27 25 14 14

10 9 10 8 10 9 9 5 23 22 12 11

TUSKEGEE-BOSWELL fsl Jackson Lee BREWTON-KALMIA sl Jackson Lee FAIRHOPE-MARLBORO sl Jackson Lee------------------------------------AV. SOUTHERN ALABAMA Jackson Lee
1

10 6 18 12 22 19 16 13

Camden test is 3-year average yield. All other locations 5-year average yield.

Factors other than yield affecting harvested value under farm conditions pointed up by these studies were: (1) Beans planted before May 1 produced short plants with pods close to the ground. This resulted in considerable cutter-bar loss when harvesting. (2) These plantings throughout the State, and including those of May 1 at Fairhope, produce beans of lower quality than those from later plantings. This lower quality resulted both from increased purple stain and increased rotting in the pods.
RATE-OF-SEEDING and ROW-WIDTH EXPERIMENTS

A survey conducted by the National Soybean Crop Improvement Council in 1955 showed that most oil varieties of soybeans are planted in 36- to 42-inch rows. However, Wiggins (4), reporting on studies conducted in New York, concluded that the nearer the arrangement of plants on a given area approaches a uniform
[71

TABLE 4.

EFFECT OF Row WIDTH, SEEDING RATE, AND VARIETY ON YIELD OF LATE-PLANTED

SOYBEANS'

Row

Seeding

width In. 30 30 30 30

rate

Varietype/

1954 prarate

StaYield Sada avs 1955 1956

per acre Av. % 1954 Bu.
Av. for

1955 Bu.

Av.

1956 Bu. 47 44 40 55 40
42

Av. Bu. 35 35 30 35 33

seeding Bu. 35 32
29

row widtth
Bu.

for

Lb.%%
30 30 60 60 30 30 60 60 Lee Jackson Lee Jackson Lee Jackson Lee Jackson 83 45 87 76 86 57 97 82 99 89 99 95 99 95 ].00 100

June 1st planting

cc:

71
LJ

40 96 93 19 44 72 17 82 31 100 95 18 29 90 87 28 36 13 97 94 40 27 88 80 10 40 40 29 99 16 100 32 98 93 15 40 July 1st planting 15 34 97 90 81 91 Lee 30 30 32 79 13 76 87 Jackson 75 30 30 Lee 92 99 99 97 14 32 30 60 30 60 Jackson 88 88 97 91 18 31 96 13 28 94 96 98 Lee 40 30 82 93 87 13 28 40 30 jackson 85 40 60 Lee 97 99 98 98 14 27 Jackson 98 94 100 97 15 24 40 60 L.S.D. (.05)-Row width 1.8 bu., seeding rate N.S., row width X seeding rate N.S.
1

34

34 39 36 35 38 38 38 32 34 35

26
28 27 28 29 26 24 25 25

26 29

27 27 28 25 25

28

28

25

Kalmia sandy loam,

Plant Breeding Unit, Tallassee, Alabama.

TABLE 5. EFFECT OF Row WIDTH, SEEDING RATE, AND VARIETY ON YIELD OF LATE-PLANTED SOYBEANS'

July 1 planting
Row Seeding

Stand at harvest 1955 1956 1958 Av. % 100 97 94 86 100 96 98 95 100 97 100 97
IIII

Yield per acre
Av. for

width In. 10
10

rate per/a Lb. 240
240

Variety Lee
Jackson

1955 Bu. 26 27 50 42 29 29 29 80
24

1956 Bu. 58 56 57 59 45 40 50 42
40

1958l Bu. 8 40 56 71 87 40 42 50
37

Av. Bu. 39 41 54 57 87 86 40 41 84 41 82 38 88 86

seeding rate Bu. 40 55 36 40 87 85 84,

Av. for row width Bu.

94 97 100 99 100 100 Jackson 91 100 100 Lee 100 100 100 Jackson 94 97 100 L.S.D. (.05 )-Seeding rate 18 bu., row width 9 bu. IIIII IIIII -- I.Ir IIHI I /.II I clcl Kalmia sandy loam, Plant Breeding Unit, Tallassee, Alabama.
Jackson

10 10 20 20 20 20 80 80 80 80 40 40

60 60 120 120 60 60 90 90 60 60 60 60

Lee
Jackson

Lee
Jackson

Lee Lee Lee

Jackson

99 95 84 72 100 90 96 87
99

100 97 97 85 100 97 97 97
100

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
100

48

100 97-

38

88 24 82 27 26

44 40 86 89

45 88 5 48 87 44

86 34

distribution, the greater will be the yield. He reported yield increases of 20 to 30 per cent by decreasing the row width from 32 to 8 inches, and concluded that for the variety he was using one plant each 3 inches in 8-inch rows would result in optimum yield. Weber and Weiss (3) summarized data from four Corn Belt states that showed rows spaced 21 inches apart gave slightly higher yields than 7-, 14-, 28-, 35-, or 42-inch rows. In contrast, studies in the Southeastern States have not shown an advantage from row-spacing less than about 36 inches (2). Most of these studies have been conducted with plantings made at the optimum date. Since late-planted beans, such as those planted after small grains when weather did not permit planting in early June, seldom reached sufficient size to completely cover the ground, indications were that an advantage might be found from using closer row spacings. Results given in Table 4 are from a 3-year study comparing late-planted beans (about June 1 and July 1) in 30- and 40-inch rows at 30- and 60-pound seeding rates for Lee and Jackson varieties. These data show a 3- to 5-bushel advantage for 30-inch rows over 40-inch rows. The same advantage prevailed for June 1 plantings over July 1 plantings. There was no difference between 30- and 60-pound seeding rates or between varieties. Data in Table 5 are those of a study comparing 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-inch rows seeded at 60 pounds per acre and at 240-, 120-, and 90-pound rates on the 10-, 20-, and 30-inch rows, respectively. This study showed a marked increase in yield from decreasing row width. Yields were highest when the seeding rate was 60 pounds per acre. Three-year average yields at the 60-pound rate were 34 bushels per acre in 40-inch rows and 55-bushels in the 10-inch rows. These studies show that on land not heavily infested with weeds or where weeds are controlled beans planted in narrow rows produce higher yields. On some soils satisfactory weed control can be obtained in late June plantings by one or two timely cultivations with a rotary hoe without damage to stand. FERTILIZER and LIME EXPERIMENTS In 1952, very few data on soybean fertilization in Alabama were available. Data on fertilization of similar soils in other states, especially North Carolina, indicate that soybeans on old cultivated fields respond only to lime or potassium. A survey of 22 fields was made in the summer of 1952 in Baldwin County to
[10]

determine the fertility level at which soybeans were growing. This county was selected because it was the leading producer in the State. Thecondition of the plants was evaluated visually, and where possible approximate yields from previous years were obtained. Soil samples were collected and analyzed to determine pH, available potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Leaf samples were collected and analyzed for potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Appearance was affected more by soil pH and available calcium than any other factor measured. On most locations where plants appeared below normal in vigor, the pH was below 4.9 and/or the available calcium below 200 pounds per acre. Soils with pH as low as 4.4 and calcium as low as 120 pounds per acre were observed. The majority of soil and plant samples were low in magnesium, except where dolomitic limestone had been applied recently. Soils in most locations tested medium or high in potassium, and leaf samples showed adequate potassium. At one location the plants appeared not to be inoculated. In general, it appeared that present fertilizer practices were adequate but liming practices were probably limiting yields on a number of fields in Baldwin County. In 1953, 1954, and 1955, a total of 13 soybean fertility experiments were harvested from farmer fields in Jackson County. The average yield was only 14 bushels; however, a response was obtained to potassium at five locations, to phosphorus at five, and to lime at two. Soil test values and leaf analyses indicated a higher number of responses might have been obtained with more optimum growing conditions. Fertility experiments were begun at the Lower Coastal Plain Substation, Camden, and at the Gulf Coast Substation, Fairhope, in 1952, and at the Brewton Experiment Field, Brewton, in 1953. The experiment at the Lower Coastal Plain Substation was on a Norfolk sandy loam soil low in phosphorus and medium in potassium, with a pH of 6.0. Yields were very low for the period 1952-56 mainly because of dry weather and associated conditions. Yields never exceeded 15 bushels during the period. The experiment at Brewton was on Kalmia sandy loam high in phosphorus and low in potassium, with a pH of 5.3. The 5-year average yield, Table 6, shows a 50 per cent increase from 50 pounds of potassium and a 20 per cent increase from lime. The combined application of lime, phosphorus and potassium resulted in an increase of more than 100 per cent (12 to 26 bushels per acre). No increase in yield was obtained from nitrogen.
[11]

TABLE 6.

EFFECT OF LIME AND

FERTILIZER

ON YIELD OF SOYBEANS

(1954-1958)
av.) I

Lime and fertilizer application per a( cra L cre

Yield per acre
(5-year

No. Lime Lb. 1 0 2 2,000 3 2,000 4 2,000 5 2,000 6 2,000 7 2,000 2,000 8 2,000 9 2,000 10 11 0 L.S.D. (.05) N Lb. 0 25 25 25 25 25 25
25

P20 5 Lb. 0 0
25

SMarlboro fine sandy adyniam K2 2 K2 sandyloam 0 Lb. 100 0
25

o

Bu. 12 25
26 25

Bu. 31 34
32 35

27 100 22 25 2 L.S.D. (.01) 3 1Brewton Experiment Field soil test pH 5.3, P20 5 high, K20 low.

0 253

50 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

100 100

17
23

33
35

50
100 100

27 27
26

35 34
34

100

35 34 N.S. N.S.

2Gulfcoast Substation soil test pH 5.1, P 2 05 high, K20 medium. At this location only treatment No. 11 was limed. 'This treatment also received 25 pounds of N as a sidedressing at the early bloom stage.

The experiment at the Gulf Coast Substation was on Marlboro sandy loam high in phosphorus and medium in potassium, with a pH of 5.1 Although no single element increased yield, a 10 per cent increase was obtained where lime, phosphorus, and potassium were. applied, Table 6.

O35 a

0.

30

SoipH -

48

52

U

6.2

(1)

z

25

w

20-

.....

0..

.. ... ..

0
[121

Pounds K20 applied per acre FIGURE 1. Soybean yields as influenced by pH level and four rates of potassium
on soil low in potassium are shown in the above chart.

I -('>}~ I t I - 4 N 4 4) 4( ( 14 Ii l " I h t Ixt \i 41 i4 (~ ,1 (;u I! I)11 I(,14(11' 1i t I( ii 44 I 1 w ( d at\ 1 I 4 1 II I ) ,> N u4 I 41 ( .4 (11 I x 14'n III4 ' " \\n~( to knit) 1411 (1 I~ ;ss!n 44>4 (l.4t, 4 tt'4i N \ it4! I 4,41 >4) 4,4 .!! 4 r rn

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FERTILIZER
11wi

PLACEMENT
\ itl
(' 44

EXPERIMENTS
N)h

1I4('4'4
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FIGURE 2. The effect of fertilizer placement on soybean stand is shown in above plots. Both plots of soybeans received 400 lbs. of 0-14-14 at planting. At left fertilizer was drilled too near the seed; at right fertilizer was applied broadcast.

I I:

SUMMARY 1. Recommended varieties and planting dates for Alabama are:
Northern counties Central counties Baldwin and Mobile counties Hood, Lee Lee, Jackson Lee, Jackson May 1-30 May 1-30 May 15-June 15

The above variety recommendations are based on availability of certified seed, high oil content, shattering resistance, and disease resistance. 2. Soybeans should be planted in rows as narrow as weed and grass control will allow. The seeding rate should be approximately 60 pounds of viable seed per acre. 3. Soybeans respond to lime and fertilizer when there is a deficiency of these materials in the soil. Soil test recommendation should be followed and the fertilizer either broadcast or placed 2 to 3 inches to the side of the seed if drilled at planting. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Credit is due the following workers who assisted in conducting the experiments on soybeans: P. B.::Gibson', WC. Johnson and D. G. Sturkie of the Main Station; J. W. Langford, Plant Breeding Unit; F. E. Bertram, J. W. Richardson, and F. T. Glaze, Experiment Fields; S. E. Gissendanner, J. K. Boseck, W. W. Cotney, V. L. Brown, and Otto Brown 2 , Substations; E. E. Hartwig, U.S.D.A. Regional Soybean Laboratory, Stoneville, Mississippi; and S. L. Worley, Extension Service, Scottsboro, Alabama.

1 Resigned.

2 Retired.

[14]

LITERATURE CITED

(1)
(2)
(3)

E. E. Factors Affecting Time of Planting Soybeans in the Southern States. U.S.D.A. Circular No. 948. 1954.
HARTWIG,

Row Widths and Rates of Planting Soybeans in the Southern States. Soybean Digest 17: 13-15. 1956.
WEBER,

C. R.,

AND WEISS, M. G.

Let's Push up Soybean Yields.

Iowa

Farm Science 2 (10) : 10-12. 1948.

(4)

WIGGINS, R. G. The Influence of Space and Arrangement on the Pro-

duction of Soybean Plants. 1939.

Journ. Amer. Soc. Agron. 81: 814-821.

[15]