Weed control
in soybeans
Tips & useful information on mechanical weed control in soybeans
Many farmers think that soybeans are one of the biggest challenges of mechanical weed control. But with the right technology and targeted application times, you will produce high yields. In the following lines we have summarised the most important steps for a successful harvest of soybeans.
“Constant observation of the plants is essential to achieve successful weed control. Perfect timing and using the right equipment is crucial for the subsequent harvest.”
The right soil
In order to grow and thrive well, the soybean has high demands on the soil. Above all, the high heat and water requirements should not be underestimated. Soybeans grow best on a deep, well-settled seedbed that is not too fine. On medium-heavy soils in warm and damp climates the plants feel comfortable. It is important that the soil warms up slightly and that it is neither too heavy nor too light. Furthermore, the pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Soils with a stronger subsequent delivery of nitrogen prevent nodule formation, which is extremely important for the soybean. As the soybean is not able to compensate well for compaction, areas with high compaction and many root weeds should be avoided.
The soybean does not make high demands on the previous crop. Favorable previous and following crops are especially all cereals because of the ideal Carbon (C) – Nitrogen (N) ratio. Also corn and beets are sometimes a good option. Legumes, sunflowers and potatoes are rather not suitable.
Tip before seeding: To ensure good development of nodule bacteria, soybean seeds should be inoculated with a rhizobial inoculant shortly before sowing.
Tip for seeding: To develop young plants quickly, the soil temperature during sowing should be at least 10°C.
Step by step to high-yield soybeans
- Blind weeding with our AEROSTAR-product family (approx. 3–4 days after seed sowing):
The timing of seed sowing should be arranged based on the appropriate weather for blind weeding. CAUTION: Pay attention to the sowing depth of 3–5 cm / 1-2″. - Hoeing with the row-crop cultivator CHOPSTAR 3-60 or with the rotary hoe ROTARYSTAR:
As soon as the cotyledons have fully unfurled, you should hoe the soybeans. Soybean plants can even be slightly covered with soil. - Gentle (crossways) weeding:
1-2 days after hoeing you should weed with the tined weeder again, to remove the soil from the soybean plants. - 3–4-leaf stage:
Now it is high time for hoeing and crust breaking. This is done with a row-crop cultivator (CHOPSTAR 3-60) including finger weeders or rotative weeding elements, a rotative weeder (AEROSTAR-ROTATION) or a rotary hoe (ROTARYSTAR). - Precision is required:
Already 1-2 weeks after hoeing, depending on the weather conditions, the ground should be weeded (with AEROSTARs, CHOPSTAR 3-60 or ROTARYSTAR) once again. - Just before flowering:
For the final pass of hoeing use a finger hoe. This enables weeds in the row to be captured and the row to be earthed up. Additional earthing up using hilling sweeps or hilling discs is optional.
Weed and hoe as much as possible and as necessary, but not so much that excessive N (Nitrogen) is released!
Pro Tip:
In our organic farming handbook you can find a detailed graphic of the different application times at leaf stages. Download the handbook here and place the graphic in a visible location so you don’t miss the correct application timing.
We wish good luck and a high-yield harvest!
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