2018 SeCan Soybean trials

[grassfarmer]

Got this interesting brochure in the mail. Average yields of 7 varieties with a low input and high input treatment at 2 different sites. Low input was "reduced seeding rate, no seed treatment and no in-crop fungicide." High input was "higher seeding rate, best seed treatment, extra phos applied and fungicide in-crop".
Fort Whyte, MB site - low input 33.1bu/acre, high input 33bu/acre. (assume very dry as they say "no rain no gain")
Elm Creek, MB site - low input 45.1 bu/acre, high input 47.1bu/acre.

Doesn't seem much evidence that high input is the way to go! Would the best case scenario of 2 bu extra cover the extra input costs?

[MBgrower]

Got this interesting brochure in the mail. Average yields of 7 varieties with a low input and high input treatment at 2 different sites. Low input was "reduced seeding rate, no seed treatment and no in-crop fungicide." High input was "higher seeding rate, best seed treatment, extra phos applied and fungicide in-crop".
Fort Whyte, MB site - low input 33.1bu/acre, high input 33bu/acre. (assume very dry as they say "no rain no gain")
Elm Creek, MB site - low input 45.1 bu/acre, high input 47.1bu/acre.

Doesn't seem much evidence that high input is the way to go! Would the best case scenario of 2 bu extra cover the extra input costs?

same goes seed varieties, too many of them, and in the end mother nature dictates final outcome.

[bgmb]

No humic or foliar nutrition? Little kugler could have worked wonders I bet. Its all about the chemistry.

Seriously I am not surprised. Seed treatments dont pay 90 percent of the time on wheat or beans. And seed sellers tend to recommend high seeding rates, obviously. As for phos there is no short term yield benefit but we apply for maintenance reasons. I am sure some guys skip it on rented land. Beans can be a profitable crop but like anything you need to spend wisely and factor in rotational benefits. Many farmers are dropping beans next year which is aomewhat shortsighted IMO.

Good in Secan for setting up this demo