As the 2025 growing season approaches, Missouri soybean farmers have a prime opportunity to optimize their yields by focusing on two key areas: soil testing and variety selection. According to Rasel Parvej, a soil health and fertility specialist at the University of Missouri, these practices are foundational for making informed decisions that lead to successful harvests.
Unlock Hidden Yield Potential With the Right Variety
Selecting the right soybean variety can have a dramatic impact on yields, often more than other management decisions.
“If you look at the official variety testing guidelines, you’ll find yield differences of up to 15 bushels within the same environment,” Parvej explains. “That tells us one thing: choosing the correct variety for your specific conditions is crucial. Fertilization alone can’t make up that kind of difference unless the soil is very deficient.”
Parvej recommends that farmers carefully evaluate data from local variety trials (https://varietytesting.missouri.edu/soybean/results.htm). Factors like regional climate, disease resistance and soil type should guide selection. The extra effort pays off when farmers can maximize yields by simply planting the variety best suited to their fields.
Don’t Gamble with Fertilizer – Test That Soil
While variety selection determines the potential for high yields, soil testing ensures that potential is not wasted. Parvej emphasizes soil testing is essential for understanding nutrient levels and making informed fertilizer decisions. It’s also important for a grower’s bottom line.
“Without soil testing, you’re guessing,” Parvej says. “You might over-apply, under-apply or occasionally get the right rate by luck. But the odds are against you, and both over- and under-fertilizing come with economic and environmental costs.”
Missouri soils widely vary from the rich, high-organic-matter Mollisol in the north to the sandy, low-organic-matter soils of the Bootheel. Parvej highlighted the importance of following Missouri-specific guidelines for soil testing and nutrient management.
“Soil testing methods differ by state,” he explains. “The depth of sample collection, interpretation of results, and even fertilizer recommendations are tailored to local conditions. Using guidelines from another state, like Arkansas or Illinois, won’t give you the precise information you need for Missouri farms.”
Your Neighbor’s Farm Isn’t Yours
Parvej says one common misconception is basing fertilizer decisions on what neighboring farms are doing.
“Your neighbor might not be applying fertilizer, but that doesn’t mean your fields don’t need it,” he says. “Likewise, if they’re fertilizing heavily, it doesn’t mean you should do the same. Each field is different, and soil testing ensures you’re applying nutrients based on your land’s actual needs.”
Parvej also pointed out that many Missouri soils naturally have sufficient potassium levels, especially in clayey soil most prominent in the northern regions.
“For example, soybean primarily requires phosphorus and potassium, but most Missouri soils already have adequate potassium,” he says. “Blanket recommendations from fertilizer companies and/or dealers often suggest more than what’s needed, which can waste money and harm the environment. University guidelines are more precise, focusing only on what the crop truly requires.”
Maximizing Missouri’s Diverse Landscapes
Missouri’s unique landscape and climate play a significant role in soybean management. Northern areas benefit from fertile soils and steady rainfall, while the Bootheel relies heavily on irrigation due to its low organic matter and sandy composition.
“The key is understanding your specific region’s strengths and challenges,” Parvej says. “In the Bootheel, irrigation is essential, but in northern Missouri, organic matter helps retain moisture and nutrients, making irrigation less critical compared to southern region. Farmers should focus on practices like variety selection and nutrient management that maximize their regional advantages.”
Three Steps to a High-Yield Season
For Missouri soybean farmers preparing for the upcoming season, Parvej’s sums it up with three focus points:
- Select the right variety: Use local variety testing data to choose a soybean variety optimized for your region’s conditions.
- Don’t guess, soil test: Regularly test soil samples and follow Missouri-specific recommendations to ensure precise nutrient management.
- Avoid assumptions: Don’t base decisions on what neighboring farms are doing; rely on data from your own fields.
“These practices might seem straightforward, but they are game-changers,” Parvej concluded. “With accurate soil test data and the right variety, you’re setting your farm up for a productive and efficient growing season.”