Extension
Date of this Version
1989
Abstract
Four management ideas that make it possible to grow soybeans on alkaline soils are covered here.
Chlorosis (yellowing) in soybeans can be a problem wherever soybeans are grown on alkaline soils in Nebraska. Serious chlorosis is likely to occur when the pH of these alkaline soils is 7.5 or higher. Soybean chlorosis problems occur in the Platte and Elkhorn River Valleys and, to a lesser extent, in the Republican and Loup River Valleys, and on high lime soils in central and western Nebraska. Not all high pH soils cause chlorosis of soybeans even though they are alkaline.
Soil tests of the surface soil in chlorotic and non-chlorotic soybean areas of a field often are similar; however, the subsoils may be greatly different, particularly at the 16-24 inch depth. Subsoils in the chlorotic soybean area usually are poorly drained, are higher in pH, contain soluble salts and excess lime (carbonates), and may have a higher sodium saturation.
Comments
© 1989, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska on behalf of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. All rights reserved.