USC 2016
The Quest to Maximize Soybean Yield and Profitability in Manitoba!
WHAT IS IT?
Three teams have been tasked with selecting their own unique combination of soybean management practices and crop inputs in the quest to be crowned the winner of the Ultimate Soybean Challenge (USC)! Winners will be determined in two categories: yield and profit. The goal is for each team to take on a unique strategy for crop management and inputs, representing thedifferent approaches that farmers may take in crop production.
WHERE AND HOW?
At the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) site in Portage la Prairie, side-by-side replicated field trials were seeded on May 20. Seeding date, speed, soil characteristics and harvest dates will be the same across treatments. All other management practices will be determined by each team. Updates on crop progress and management will be provided throughout the growing season. Stay tuned to @MBPulseGrowers on Twitter for updates.
FIELD DESCRIPTION
The USC challenge is on a 15-acre parcel seeded into spring tilled millet residue comprised of an imperfectly drained clay loam soil. Field history includes soybean. Soil pH is 8 with relatively high soil organic matter, low soluble salts and high fertility (84 lbs/ac N, 22 ppm P, 289 ppm K).
Meet the Teams and their Strategies
TEAM A: Kristen Podolsky, MPSG Production Specialist along with Greg Bartley (On-Farm Technician) aim to follow best management practices, choosing practices and inputs that are most likely to maximize net return.
TEAM B: Dennis Lange, Manitoba Agriculture Industry Development Specialist along with Terry Buss are trying to maximize yield and return by reducing costs of big ticket items (seed) but spending more on small costs items.
TEAM C: Curtis Cavers, CMCDC Agronomist along with soil advisor John Heard is choosing novel practices to ensure differences in production are observed and to alleviate concerns of a “home field advantage.”
| Team A - Kristen | Team B - Dennis | Team C - Curtis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Variety Selected | Akras R2 | S007-Y4 | Dekalb 23-60 |
| Inoculant(s) | Liquid | Liquid | None |
| Seed Treatment | None | CruiserMaxx Vibrance + Heads Up Plant Protectant | Evergol Energy |
| Seeding Equipment | Air Seeder 9" Spacing | Planter 30" Spacing | Planter 15" Spacing |
| Seeding Depth | 1 inch | 2 inches | 2 inches |
| Seeding Rate (seeds/ac) | 190,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 |
| Plant Population (plants/ac) | June 2: 109,000 June 10: 184,000 June 20: 161,000 June 27: 170,000 | June 2: 61,000 June 10: 102,000 June 20: 111,000 June 27: 111,000 | June 20: 124,000 June 27: 128,000 |
| Weed Control | 1 Pass Glyphosate (June 9) | 3 Passes Glyphosate | 1 Pass Glyphosate (June 9) |
| Fungicide Product | None | Yes (applied July 17) | None |
| Tissue Testing | None | None | Yes |
| Foliar Nutrients | None | Yes | Depending on tissue test |
| Chlorophyll Content (SPAD readings) | Average: 23.3 | Average: 25.07 | Average: 29.8 |
