Pa. Soybean Farmers Support Checkoff- Funded Research Projects More than $350,000 granted for research.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (February 9, 2021) – Research projects designed to increase the profitability and sustainability of Pennsylvania’s soybean growers have been awarded checkoff grants totaling more than $350,000 by the Pennsylvania Soybean Board.
The all-farmer board, which administers the national soybean checkoff program in the Commonwealth, approved research projects focusing on crop management practices and research benefiting animal agriculture, the largest domestic user of soymeal and the largest sector of Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry.
Funding grants were approved for the following crop production research projects:
Soybean Response to Nitrogen and Sulfur Rate and Timing of Fertilizer Application (Penn State)
In a continuation of a 2020 project, this research will help identify whether one S fertilization event can meet the needs of both a soybean and corn crop, or if there is a benefit to applying S fertilizer to both crops in the rotation. The results will aid famers in managing the S supplied to their soybean crop to maximize yield and grain quality.
Proactive Monitoring and Management of Soybean Cyst Nematode (Penn State)
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most destructive soybean pathogen in the United States. One of the greatest challenges for SCN management is the fact that infestations and yield reductions can occur in the absence of visible symptoms. This project will aim to raise awareness of the risk SCN poses to soybean production and offer a free SCN testing program to proactively track SCN across Pennsylvania.
Best Management Guidelines for White Mold (Penn State)
The persistent annual risk of white mold requires development of a proactive approach to understanding the importance of different risk factors, as well as farm- level economics to incorporate new changes on the farm. Research will investigate best management practices for the control of white mold.
Pennsylvania On-Farm Network (Penn State)
In a continuing project, the Penn State Research Farms and Pennsylvania growers participating in the On-Farm Network will test a variety of products and management practices. Field trials conducted at Penn State Research Farms are validated in real life by growers on their own farms. Projects will focus on best management practices for slugs, no-till deep ripping practices, inoculation practices, nitrogen sequestration through the integration of cover crops, and field-testing new products and management methods. Two new projects on seed treatments and yield-limiting factors will include testing the effect of Ilevo seed treatment to control soybean sudden death syndrome and testing new compounds that could improve plant establishment and production.
Sentinel Plot Program (Penn State)
The sentinel plot program will be run in collaboration with Penn State Extension to provide soybean growers with statewide assessment of insects and diseases active in soybean fields. Soybean fields in 21 counties throughout the state will be scouted weekly for insect pest and disease population. Reports of the scouting results will be reported weekly via Penn State Extension-based outlets. The goal is to encourage growers to adopt Integrative Pest Management.
Evaluating the Effects of Intense Precipitation on the Efficacy of Weed Management in Soybeans (Penn State)
With the increasing number of weed species that are developing resistance to commonly used post-emergent herbicides, soil applied pre-emergent herbicides are becoming an essential part of an effective integrated weed management plan. Soil- applied pre-emergent herbicides rely on rainfall to become activated in the soil, however, too much rain can result in leeching or runoff. The research will study the amount of rain that will result in a loss in weed control and whether a cover crop can increase or decrease weed control when intense rains occur.
Funding grants were approved for the following research projects in support of Pennsylvania’s animal agriculture industry:
Molecular Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Endemic & Emerging Coronaviruses in Pigs (Penn State)
Coronaviruses have emerged as a major global threat to animal and human health with a marked propensity for interspecies transmission. Over the past 80 years, several novel coronaviruses have caused extensive outbreaks and economic losses in swine. This project aims to develop rapid and specific identification tools for emerging swine coronaviruses to safeguard Pennsylvania swine.
Enhancing the Nutritional Value of Soybean Meal for Lactating Dairy Cows (Penn State)
The study aims to demonstrate a greater supply of metabolizable protein and increased cow productivity with extruded soybean meal versus canola meal, which will expand the market for soybeans and soybean meal among dairy producers.
About the Pennsylvania Soybean Board
The Pennsylvania Soybean Board is a farmer-controlled Board responsible for managing Pennsylvania’s share of funds received from the nationwide Soybean Checkoff program. The funding is available under an assessment program, approved by Congress in 1990, under which soybean farmers contribute 50 cents of every $100 they receive for their beans at the first point of sale. Funds are used to develop markets, educate consumers, and research new ways to utilize and produce soybeans more efficiently. For more information, visit www.pasoybean.org.