Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 337-347 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 340 Additionally, precise irrigation management can mitigate the effects of drought. A study using the APEX model in Arkansas, USA, found that reducing irrigation by up to 20% from the original amount did not significantly reduce yields, suggesting that careful irrigation scheduling can conserve water without sacrificing productivity (Carroll et al., 2020). This approach, combined with the selection of drought-tolerant varieties, can significantly enhance the resilience of soybean crops to water stress. Efficient irrigation techniques, water conservation practices, and the development of drought-resistant varieties are key strategies for achieving high-yield soybean cultivation. Drip and sprinkler irrigation methods have proven effective in enhancing water productivity and yield, while optimized irrigation regimes and conservation practices can further improve water use efficiency. By integrating these strategies, soybean producers can sustainably manage water resources and maintain high yields even under challenging environmental conditions. 4 Advanced Crop Management and Field Practices 4.1 Planting time and density optimization Optimizing planting time and density is crucial for maximizing soybean yield (Figure 2). Early planting has been shown to expedite canopy closure and increase yield. For instance, early planted soybeans reached 90% green canopy cover (T90) faster and yielded more compared to standard planting times. Additionally, narrow-row spacing can further expedite canopy closure, although it may not significantly impact yield compared to wider rows (Arsenijevic et al., 2021). These findings suggest that early planting and optimal row spacing are effective strategies for enhancing soybean growth and yield. Figure 2 Sowing density of soybeans (Photo credit: Yuting Zhong) 4.2 Weed control and integrated pest management (IPM) Effective weed control is essential for high-yield soybean cultivation. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which include the use of cover crops and reduced reliance on chemical herbicides, have shown promise. Cover crops like cereal rye can significantly suppress weed biomass and improve soybean yields (Vincent-Caboud et al., 2019a). Moreover, conservation practices such as no-till farming and cover cropping can enhance biological pest control by supporting populations of arthropod predators, reducing the need for insecticides (Rowen et al., 2022). These practices not only control weeds but also contribute to sustainable farming by improving soil health and reducing chemical inputs.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==