Scientists from DuPont have suggested a perspective shift when it comes to growing soybeans. Soybeans are rich in protein which requires nitrogen -- so much so, that beans are inherently equipped to secure their own nitrogen by fixing it from the air.
However, in order to push yields to the next level, growers may want to consider providing additional N in the soil. Studies have shown that nitrogen fixation is sufficient to produce yields up to 60 bu. per acre. At that point, N deficiencies begin to appear.
As hybrids and management practices improve, yield potential is also improving and DuPont suggests 80 bu. per acre beans are possible with the addition of commercial N fertilizer. For more of DuPont’s thoughts on Nitrogen for soybeans, click here.
