Seed Yield Losses from Lodging and Combine Harvesting in Soybeans1

Abstract

Soybean seed yield losses due to lodging and to combine harvesting were evaluated for 3 years. The combine yield loss attributable to lodging averaged 29 pounds per acre, or 1.3%. Combine yield losses for 3.5, 5.0, and 6.5 inches of cut were 5.4, 9.4, and 12.2%, respectively. Using a linear relationship, there was an average yield loss of 38 pounds per acre, or 1.9%, for each inch of cut from ground line to 6.5 inches and 46 pounds per acre, or 2.3%, loss for each inch of cut from 3.5 to 6.5 inches.Physiological effects of lodging were evaluated for 3 years with 7 soybean varieties by using 2 treatments, staking and nonstaking. Prevention of lodging increased yield 320 pounds per acre or 13.0%, decreased seed size 0.3 gram per 100 seeds, delayed maturity 2 days, and increased plant height 3 inches. Pod number, seed number, and seed size determinations indicated that the increase in seed yield was primarily due to an increased number of pods and seeds in the staked varieties.