Submitted Article
Throughout Pennsylvania, soybean growers are participating in research projects funded by the Pennsylvania Soybean Promotion Board and executed by Penn State researchers and Extension personnel. These studies aim at making soybean production more profitable in areas they have not been grown historically. Study topics include reducing planting populations, microorganism profiles in the soil and on the roots, and the effectiveness of certain seed treatments in protecting the plant and enhancing growth.
In Bradford and Tioga counties, three farms are participating in this year’s trials. Local, on-farm research is an enormous asset to our community. Soils and climatic conditions can vary widely throughout the state. Techniques that work well at one research station may perform differently in a different location. Therefore, it is important to test new practices and products in environments closely related to the areas in which they will be used.
This week, a farm in Ulster, Bradford County hosted students from Penn State (above). These students traveled north to collect plant samples that will be analyzed in the lab. Researchers are observing root length and structure, as well as the health and size of the plants. Results from these measurements, as well as yield measurements at the end of the season, will be utilized to make recommendations on the efficacy of the practices and inputs tested this year.
A field day will be planned for late summer to talk about the research, and to provide local producers with recommendations for future cropping seasons. More information about this field day will be available at a later date.
Northeastern and north central Pennsylvania producers are invited to contact Casey Guindon, Agronomy Extension Agent, with current production issues or any concerns that develop over the growing season. Casey can be reached at 570-265-2896 or cvb5538@psu.edu.
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