Skip to content
PodcastArkansas Row CropsAug 25, 2021

What Key Timing Insights on Soybean Harvest Aids Should Farmers Know?

Understanding the critical timing for applying soybean harvest aids can prevent yield loss.

AI-generated source brief by USFarms.ag, based on Arkansas Row Crops. How our briefs are made

Source published Aug 25, 2021. Check the source date before applying seasonal guidance. Brief published .

harvest aidssoybean growth stagescrop managementyield optimization

Source summary

What this podcast covered

Importance of Growth Stages

Accurate identification of soybean growth stages is essential for applying harvest aids effectively. The R6.5 stage is critical, as applications made too early can lead to significant yield reductions.

Recommended Chemicals

Paraquat is the most widely used harvest aid due to its quick desiccation properties. Sodium chlorate is also mentioned as an option, but farmers should be aware of the specific application guidelines for each.

Cautions on Application Timing

Farmers are advised to wait until the R7 stage for safer applications, as this reduces the risk of yield loss. Early applications can lead to quality issues, especially if adverse weather occurs after treatment.

Key takeaways

5 things worth knowing

  1. 01

    Harvest aids should be applied after reaching R6.5 growth stage to avoid yield loss.

  2. 02

    R7 is considered a safer benchmark for applying harvest aids without yield reduction.

  3. 03

    Paraquat is the most commonly used harvest aid due to its effectiveness and quick action.

  4. 04

    Farmers should be cautious of drift when applying harvest aids to avoid damaging neighboring crops.

  5. 05

    Understanding the timing and product labels is essential for effective soybean harvest management.

Source figures at a glance

At a glance

What the podcast covered, in 3 signals

Soybeans

Critical timing

R6.5 growth stage

Apply harvest aids after reaching R6.5 to avoid yield loss.

Chemicals

Effective options

Paraquat and sodium chlorate

Most effective harvest aids with specific application guidelines.

Harvest

Planning ahead

Harvest intervals

Understanding intervals helps in timely harvesting.

Questions & answers

Quick answers

When is the best time to apply soybean harvest aids?

The best time to apply soybean harvest aids is after reaching the R6.5 growth stage to minimize yield loss.

What are the risks of applying harvest aids too early?

Applying harvest aids too early can lead to significant yield reductions and quality issues due to adverse weather.

What chemicals are recommended for soybean harvest aids?

Paraquat and sodium chlorate are commonly recommended for soybean harvest aids, with specific application guidelines.

How long should I wait after applying harvest aids before harvesting?

The harvest interval varies by product; paraquat typically requires a 15-day wait, while sodium chlorate may only require 3 days.

Weekly U.S. agriculture digest

Get the weekly U.S. agriculture digest

One email. Agriculture across the United States this week: interviews, the reviewed feed, and new farmland listings.

USFarms.ag organizes and summarizes public farmland, agriculture, and commodity-related information. Summaries may contain errors and should not be treated as financial, legal, agronomic, or real estate advice. Sensitive land-sale, rent, ownership, and parcel-specific information is intentionally excluded.