Demonstration of Soybean Varieties and Seeding Date for Observation in North-Central Saskatchewan

Non-Peer ReviewedProducers in north-central Saskatchewan could benefit from the addition of soybeans to their crop rotations. Soybean production would help lengthen crop rotations, provide opportunities for control of grassy weeds, and reduce fertilizer inputs and disease levels. Recent field trials have suggested that soybeans could successfully be grown in the north-central region of the province. Due to local climatic conditions, soybeans often experience yield losses due to spring or fall frosts. Yield losses due to fall frosts can be reduced by earlier seeding of soybeans, though this increases the risk of spring frosts. Tillage can help warm the soil in the spring by blackening it, which could reduce the risk of cold injury to seedlings. Finally, with the development of new shorter-season soybean varieties, the risk of major yield losses is reduced. This trial aimed to demonstrate soybean varieties for producers in the north-central region, examine the effects of seeding date on yield, and explore the potential benefits of warming the soil by tillage