Jim Specht - Emeritus Professor of Agronomy

Soybean emergence

Q/A: Questions about Soybean Emergence and Stands

May 27, 2021
There are many factors for producers with soybean emergence and stand issues to consider; this article reviews potential causes, identification techniques and management options.

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Soybean plant emerging

Tracking Soil and Air Temperatures — Soybean Planting Considerations

April 14, 2021
Results of ongoing Nebraska Extension field demonstrations to determine critical soil temperatures and trends for soybean germination and emergence, plus early soybean planting considerations. 

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Soybean imbibitional time research
Jim loading seed trays for the indoor soybean study (left) and trays in the 36°F cooler (right). (Photos by Jenny Rees)

Demonstrating Critical Imbibitional Time for Soybean

April 14, 2021
This Nebraska Extension indoor study offers a comprehensive analysis of the timing and duration of the critical imbibition water uptake phase for soybean, to assist growers in their decisions on planting dates this spring. 

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emerging corn showing varying degrees of frost damage

Evaluating Freeze and Chilling Injury in Corn and Soybeans

May 13, 2020
The weather took a turn to the cold side over the last week. Across Nebraska, lows at or below 32°F were recorded. Clear conditions coupled with these temperatures favor frost formation especially in low lying areas. So, what does this mean for our crops?

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tractor planting corn in a field

Corn and Soybean Planting Considerations for 2020

April 22, 2020
Everything we do at planting sets the stage for the rest of the year. With tight economics, it’s important to make wise decisions with the factors we can control during planting season.

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soybeans in 2003 and 2004
Planting soybean early is critical to maximizing yield. This has been found through numerous University and on-farm research studies in Nebraska and surrounding states.

Understanding the Soybean Germination Process for Early Planted Soybean Decisions

April 9, 2020
Planting is anticipated to begin for many growers in Nebraska the next few weeks. Based on formal research reports showing increased yields, we have recommended early soybean planting beginning mid- to late- April.

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Soybean pods at the R7 stage showing different levels of membrane attachment within the pod.

Taking Note of the Ending Reproductive Stages of Your Soybean Crop

August 27, 2020
The heat and drought in areas of the State are rapidly moving Nebraska’s 2020 soybean crop along. Growers have been asking how to determine late season growth stages for last irrigation of the season and for determining maturity.

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Photo of field comparison of soybean planting dates and maturities at different stages.

Projecting Dates for Ending Reproductive Stages of a Soybean Crop Using SoyWater

October 9, 2019
How did the 2019 growing season affect the date of R7 (PM) in soybean varieties differing in MG (1.1 to 4.1) and planting date in eastern Nebraska? Take a look at graphs showing seasonal vegetative (Vn) and reproductive (Rn) development versus calendar date and compare the data with field photos.

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