Reduced soil tilling helps both soils and yields
Midwest farmers adopting reduced tillage increased corn and soybean yields by 3.3% and 0.74%, respectively, while improving soil health and lowering production costs.
Soybeans
Articles tagged with Soybeans
Honey bee declines in cultivated landscapes
A study tracked honey bee nutrition and colony growth in Iowa's intensely farmed state. Colonies near soybean fields experienced short-term gains but failed to support long-term health due to lack of floral resources.
A little prairie can rescue honey bees from famine on the farm, study finds
A recent study found that honey bees fare well during the summer months when placed next to soybean fields, but struggle in winter due to a lack of food. Moving hives to prairie sites with late-flowering plants improved their nutritional health and helped them survive the winter.
Chinese scientists update soybean genome to a golden reference
Researchers from China have updated the soybean genome to a golden reference, improving its assembly quality and completeness. The new genome has increased accuracy in gene annotation and expression profiling, facilitating fundamental research and molecular breeding.
Tariffs lead to creative supply chains
A Michigan State University team applied metacoupling to analyze socioeconomic and environmental interactions in global soybean trade. The results show that Chinese demand for foreign soybeans affects not only Brazil but also neighboring countries like Paraguay and Argentina.
Worm pheromones protect major crops
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute discovered that ascaroside compounds from nematodes can protect rice, wheat, corn, and soybeans from numerous pathogens. The compounds helped increase resistance against bacterial, fungal, viral, and oomycete pathogens in major crops.
Protecting a forgotten treasure trove of biodiversity
The Cerrado, a global biodiversity hotspot, faces significant threats from soybean cultivation. A study suggests expanding the Amazon Soy Moratorium to the Cerrado could prevent 3.6 million hectares of native vegetation conversion between 2020 and 2050. This would require only a 2% reduction in soybean cultivation area nationally.
'Planting green' cover-crop strategy may help farmers deal with wet springs
A new study suggests that extending cover crop growth periods can help alleviate soil erosion, nutrient losses, and main-crop damage in wet springs. However, the approach may also decrease crop yields in certain environments, highlighting the need for careful consideration among farmers.
Research sheds light on genomic features that make plants good candidates for domestication
A new study published in Genome Biology identified key genomic features that may have enabled the domestication of corn and soybeans. The research found that these crops occupy a middle ground in their willingness to mutate, with higher mutation rates in modern varieties compared to their wild relatives.
Mississippi State University row crop short course presentations available online
The 2018 Mississippi State University Row Crop Short Course presented topics such as nematode management, weed control, off-target movement of herbicides, and the economic outlook for row crops. Presentations are now available online through the "Focus on Cotton" series.
KIT expert comments on current topic: Trade war imperils Amazon rainforest
Brazil is expected to increase its soybean production by up to 39% to satisfy China's increased demand, which could lead to dramatic deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. Global meat consumption must be reduced to sustainably cope with this problem, and ecological consequential costs need to be included in food costs.
Illinois study identifies a key to soybean cyst nematode growth
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a key to the soybean cyst nematode's growth, allowing it to produce more offspring. The nematode's unique body shape enables it to retain fertilized eggs and harden into a protective cyst.
Keeping SDGs from being a zero-sum game
Scientists at AAAS Annual Meeting explore ways to address unintended consequences of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the need for interdisciplinary approaches. Researchers discuss strategies for reducing tradeoffs between human well-being, nature conservation, and resource management.
New conservation practice could reduce nitrogen pollution in agricultural drainage water
Researchers estimate that saturated buffers, vegetated strips of land between tile-drained fields and waterways, could reduce agricultural drainage nitrogen by 5 to 10 percent. This approach is inexpensive and can be easily integrated with farming practices.
'Scaring' soybeans into defensive mode yields better plants a generation later
Researchers used epigenetic reprogramming to modify soybean plants' response to stress, resulting in more vigorous and productive plants. The 'memory' effect allows the plants to adapt to environmental stresses over multiple generations.
Soy natural: Genetic resistance against aphids
Researchers have discovered genetic landmarks associated with soybean aphid resistance in thousands of varieties, paving the way for developing new resistant varieties. This breakthrough could provide an alternative to insecticides, reducing environmental issues and crop losses.
Nematode can rebuild muscle and neurons after complete degradation
Researchers discovered that nematodes undergo complete degeneration of muscles and neurons, only to rebuild them in adulthood. This process may hold clues for understanding human neurodegenerative diseases and developing new pest control strategies for soybeans.
A new released Chinese soybean genome facilitates soybean elite cultivar improvement
Researchers assembled a high-quality soybean genome from an Asian accession, revealing large genetic variations and improving functional genomics study. The new genome enables the identification of important agronomic genes and facilitation of crop improvement.
Long-term study shows crop rotation decreases greenhouse gas emissions
Crop rotation has been shown to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by up to 35% compared to continuous corn or soybean. Rotating crops also increases yield benefits of over 20%, with tillage not affecting emissions. The study highlights the importance of crop diversification and soil management in reducing environmental impact.
Importing food damages domestic environment
A new study by Michigan State University researchers shows that importing food can damage the environment at home. The study found that shifting from sustainable crops like soybeans to water and nutrient-intensive crops like corn increases nitrogen pollution in importing countries.
Environmental consequences of importing food
A meta-analysis of 168 studies across six continents shows that importing Brazilian and US soybeans led to widespread land-use changes, increasing nitrogen pollution by over 100,000 metric tons. The study highlights the need for sustainable agricultural practices in both exporting and importing countries.
The 'bread basket' of the tropics? Study explores tropical grain production
In Mato Grosso, Brazil, researchers found that large-scale farms produce high yields of soybean and maize using succession farming, also known as safrinha. The study shows that while technology adoption rates are low, successive cropping systems improve productivity without relying on high-tech solutions.
Satellites, supercomputers, and machine learning provide real-time crop type data
A new technique uses satellite data and machine learning to distinguish between corn and soybean fields in Illinois, providing accurate crop type data every two months. The researchers used Landsat satellites and a deep neural network to analyze the data, showing promise for future innovations in agricultural applications.
Australian vine can boost soybean yield, study says
A new study from the University of Illinois has discovered that the Australian vine Glycine tomentella contains genetic resources that can substantially increase soybean yield. Yield increases of 3.5 to 7 bushels per acre have been recorded in soybean lines derived from crossing with Glycine tomentella.
Anti-viral components in soybean meal may promote growth and health in pigs
Researchers found that soy-derived isoflavones and saponins have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant effects on pigs. These compounds promote growth and help pigs recover faster from PRRSV infection.
Ragweed casts shade on soy production
Scientists found that common ragweed can drastically reduce soybean yield by 76% in some cases, highlighting its potential threat to soybean production. The study suggests that early detection of weed growth is crucial to predict crop yield losses and inform pesticide application decisions.
Fixing soybean's need for nitrogen
A new study reveals that spraying beneficial bacteria can increase soybean yields and reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers. This innovative approach boosts root nodules, leading to higher crop yields and increased sustainability.
Tennessee scientists receive Outstanding Paper Awards
Two University of Tennessee scientists, Thomas Mueller and Larry Steckel, received top honors from the Weed Science Society of America for their peer-reviewed articles on weed control and dicamba persistence. Their studies provide valuable insights into agricultural spray hoses and cover crops as a weed management tool.
High yield, protein with soybean gene
Researchers have successfully bred soybeans with both high yields and high protein levels, addressing a long-standing challenge in plant breeding. The genetic findings suggest that a specific gene on chromosome 15 can increase protein concentration without significantly decreasing yields.
New machine evaluates soybean at harvest for quality
Researchers developed a machine to automate soybean quality evaluation during harvesting, providing real-time grain quality information. The system uses high-speed camera and computer program to analyze beans in real time, allowing operators to make adjustments as they go.
GM soybean oil causes less obesity and insulin resistance but is harmful to liver function
Researchers compared GM soybean oil to conventional soybean, coconut, and olive oils, finding that GM soybean oil reduces obesity and insulin resistance but causes similar negative effects on diabetes and fatty liver as conventional soybean oil. Olive oil produced identical negative effects to Plenish.
Strips of prairie plants slow loss of soil, nutrients and water from ag fields, double biodiversity
Research shows prairie strips reduce soil and nutrient loss from steep ground, providing habitat for wildlife. Integrating prairie strips with rowcrops increases biodiversity and ecosystem services, with minimal impacts on crop production.
Prairie strips and agricultural land
Researchers found prairie strips increase insect and bird biodiversity and nutrient retention while reducing water runoff. Fields with prairie strips experienced minimal loss in crop production compared to fields without them.
Researchers find cereal rye is effective at reducing Amaranthus spp. density in soybean crops
Researchers found cereal rye consistently reduced Amaranthus spp. weed density, even without herbicides. Cereal rye has potential to control weeds by reducing population density within the first month of planting, potentially reducing selection for resistant weeds.
Adding commercial soy in developing countries brings unique challenges
Growing commercial soybean in developing countries requires changes to traditional agricultural practices, including weed and pest control, soil correction, and access to certified seed supply chains. This shift can lead to poverty reduction, nutrition improvement, and rural economic development, but also a tradeoff of higher chemical ...
Soybean rust develops 'rolling' epidemics as spores travel north
Research suggests that soybean rust spores can travel long distances and reach the Midwestern crop earlier in the season, posing a threat to the region's soybean fields. Environmental factors like humidity, moisture, and wind speed influence short-distance movement of the disease.
New and novel technologies successfully demonstrated in soilborne disease study
Researchers have successfully developed a new method to analyze soil microbial communities and their role in the development of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) disease in soybean. By profiling microbes, scientists found significant differences between healthy and diseased areas, suggesting that biological factors play a key role in determi...
Nutritional value of soybean meal varies among sources from different countries
Research from the University of Illinois found that soybean meal produced in different countries has varying levels of digestible protein and amino acids. The study suggests that US, Indian, and Brazilian soybean meals have higher concentrations of these nutrients compared to Argentine and Chinese alternatives.
Soybean rust study will allow breeders to tailor resistant varieties to local pathogens
Researchers developed a more tailored approach to combat soybean rust by identifying resistance genes in specific varieties. While no single variety could resist all rust strains, some showed promise against African rust strains, offering hope for breeding programs worldwide.
Unusual soybean coloration sheds a light on gene silencing
Researchers found that yellow soybeans result from naturally occurring gene silencing involving two genes, which blocks production of darker pigment's precursors. The study also identified the Argonaute5 gene responsible for saddle-patterned beans, shedding light on epistatic interactions in soybean genetics.
Similar lipids cluster in soybean cell membrane model
A computational model of the soybean plasma membrane reveals that similar lipids cluster together due to van der Waals interactions. The research has applications for studying membrane proteins and understanding plant responses to stressful conditions.
Diverse rotations and poultry litter improves soybean yield
Research found that combining crop rotations with soil amendments like poultry litter can alleviate issues associated with continuous cropping. Incorporating corn once within a 4-year cycle resulted in 8% greater yields than continuous soybean.
Stink bugs: Free guide for agricultural integrated pest management
The Entomological Society of America has published a comprehensive review on identifying, biology, impacts, and management of various stink bug species affecting Midwestern corn and soybean growers. The guide provides methods for differentiating species, life cycle summaries, and guidance on monitoring and managing pests.
Modified soybeans yield more in future climate conditions
Researchers have engineered soybeans to withstand increased temperature and carbon dioxide levels, resulting in higher yields in future climate conditions. The modified crops outperformed conventional soybeans in field studies conducted at SoyFACE, a facility emulating future atmospheric conditions.
Deciphering plant immunity against parasites
A team of researchers identified a protein called NILR1 in thale cress that helps plants sense and defend against parasitic worms. The discovery could lead to the development of crop plants with enhanced protection against nematodes.
Soy protein concentrate can replace animal proteins in weanling pig diets
Researchers found that soy protein concentrate (SPC) ground to three particle sizes showed improved digestibility of crude protein and amino acids compared to traditional protein sources. The results indicate that SPC can be used as an alternative to animal proteins in weanling pig diets without negative effects on growth performance.
Cover, crimp, cultivate?
Researchers explored three organic methods to suppress weeds: using cover crops instead of disks, turning them under, or flatening with a crimper. While some found cover crops to be effective in reducing weeds, the team also noted that unexpected weather conditions and soil fertility issues impacted results.
Students use analytics, operations research to help solve world hunger
A group of students from the UK developed a new method to improve soybean strains using analytics and operations research. The solution has the potential to increase global food production and was part of the first annual O.R. and Analytics Student Team Competition.
Team nebulizes aphids to knock down gene expression
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to deliver RNA to soybean aphids using nebulization, which appears to block the function of specific genes. The technique has shown promise in improving the uptake of RNA through tiny breathing tubes and may aid in the development of new pest-control systems.
Nematode resistance in soybeans beneficial even at low rates of infestation
Researchers found that resistant soybean varieties yield more than susceptible ones even at low SCN infestation levels, with a yield advantage seen in environments with no SCN infestation. Despite mounting pressure from nematodes, varieties with PI 88788-resistance still provide moderate resistance and produce good yields.
Modifying fat content in soybean oil with the molecular scissors Cpf1
Researchers have developed a new CRISPR-Cpf1 technique to modify the fat content of soybean oil by editing two FAD2 genes. This method results in an increase in oleic acid and a decrease in linoleic acid, leading to healthier oil.
Graphene from soybeans
Graphene, a carbon material one atom thick, has been made more commercially viable thanks to the humble soybean. The novel GraphAir technology eliminates the need for high-controlled environments and expensive equipment, reducing production time and cost.
Researchers discover a new link to fight billion-dollar threat to soybean production
Cyst nematodes hijack vascular stem cell pathways to attack their hosts, causing billions of dollars in global crop losses. Understanding the molecular basis of these interactions could lead to new strategies for controlling agricultural pests.
Harvests in the US to suffer from climate change
A comprehensive computer simulation study confirms that climate change will substantially damage US crop yields, especially wheat, maize, and soybean. Increasing irrigation in regions with sufficient water can help mitigate the effects of global warming on crops.
Plasma-zapping process could yield trans fat-free soybean oil product
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a hydrogenation process that uses high-voltage atmospheric cold plasma (HVACP) to solidify soybean oil for food processing without creating trans fats. The new process is more efficient and environmentally friendly, with the potential to produce safe plant oils on a large scale.
Soybean plants with fewer leaves yield more
Modern soybean crops produce too many leaves, wasting resources like water and carbon. By reducing leaf area, researchers found an 8% increase in seed yield through increased photosynthesis and decreased respiration. The study aims to optimize crop structure for higher yields without compromising water efficiency.
Economic impact of inland waterway disruptions: Potentially billions
The aging locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway are causing inefficiencies that increase transportation costs for grain and oilseeds. The study estimates a 40% decrease in economic activity if Lock 25 is closed, leading to a decline of over 7,000 jobs and $2.4 billion in economic activity annually.
Soybean nitrogen breakthrough could help feed the world
Washington State University biologist Mechthild Tegeder has made a groundbreaking discovery in increasing soybean yield by up to 36% through the use of specialized bacteria. The breakthrough could help address global food security challenges while reducing environmental pollution.
Environmentally friendly invention may save soybean industry millions of dollars per year
Researchers at Kansas State University have designed a soybean variety that protects against nematode parasites, which are the No. 1 soybean disease in the nation. The new variety could potentially save the soybean industry millions of dollars per year by controlling nematodes and their reproduction cycles.
New method provides a tool to develop nematode-resistant soybean varieties
Researchers discovered a repeat of four genes controlling resistance to soybean cyst nematode and developed an assay to quantify gene repeats. This new method improves breeding programs by selecting for more copies of the gene sequence, potentially leading to stronger resistance.