|
 Producers
can dramatically reduce weed control costs without reducing
yields of conventional soybean varieties by eliminating
pre-emergence herbicides and relying on new over-the-top
(OT) broadleafand grass herbicides.
A three-year study supported by the Arkansas Soybean
Promotion Board found that using only post-emergence,
over- the-top broadleaf and grass herbicides at recommended
rates with conventional (nontransformed) varieties without
irrigation was just as effective as using a combination
of soil-applied and OT herbicides at either full or
reduced rates.
Eliminating the pre-emergence herbicide saved more
than $30 per acre in the non-irrigated soybeans with
no loss of yield in field plots at Northeast Research
and Extension Center (NEREC) at Keiser and Pine Tree
Branch Experiment Station near Colt.
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
study was conducted by Weed Scientist Dick Oliver and
Agronomist Terry Keisling, who also evaluated effects
of different tillage and planting methods.
Keisling said the OT herbicide program was the most
cost-effective, regardless of planting method, for all
locations and soils in the study. On the heavy clay
at Keiser, conventional tillage and planting with a
grain drill resulted in the highest returns.
"Two passes with a DMI air seeder implement train
gave the best results for the doublecrop bean system,"
Keisling said.
"The grower has a lot of flexibility," he said. "If
they can get a stand, one planting method is as good
as the other" with the OT-only herbicide program using
conventional, nontransformed varieties.
A risk analysis by Agricultural Economist Michael
Popp concluded that the OT-only herbicide program is
not only profitable but also a low risk practice.
Risk analysis is more than just calculating an average
return on the investment, said Popp, the leader of a
checkoff-funded project on economics of production practices.
"While a high positive average return on a high-risk
practice is good, it may not be appropriate for a farmer
who cannot afford a really large profit in one year
only to have a large loss the next. A lower risk alternative
instead provides consistent returns but likely also
leads to a somewhat lower overall average return.
"The over-the-top production method offers both cost
savings and lower risk, a win-win situation," Popp said.
Soybeans Today January 2000
Table of Contents
About the ASPB | ASPB Programs | Publications
Research Results | Arkansas
Ag Statistics | Internet Resources
Biodiesel Suppliers | Homepage
For additional information about any board-related activity contact:
Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board
ATTN: Brandy Carroll
P.O. Box 31
Little Rock, AR 72203-0031
Phone: 501-228-1268
Copyright © 2008 Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board.
All rights reserved.
Web
Services by
Aristotle Web Design.
Privacy Policy
|
