Science Behind The "Bean"

Dr. Josh Lofton with Oklahoma State University has worked with Oklahoma producers for nearly a decade to help them grow a variety of crops across our great state.
As Oklahoma State's Extension Cropping Systems Specialist, he spends a lot of his time in fields of all types, but he has extensive research working with soybeans.

Dr. Lofton helps us understand the "Science Behind The 'Bean."

Crop Results
Perkins - 30" Rows at 120 Seeds

Crop Results
Perkins - 30" Rows at 90 Seeds

Crop Results
Perkins - 15" Rows at 120 Seeds

Crop Results
Perkins - 15" Rows at 90 Seeds

Crop Results
Perkins - 7.5" Rows at 120 Seeds


Crop Results
Perkins - 7.5" Rows at 90 Seeds


About The Soybean Trials At Perkins, Oklahoma

Crop Update
July 30, 2024

  • Understanding the stages of soybean growth, specifically the transition from three to four nodes.
  • Identifying the characteristics of pod development and how to distinguish between different growth stages.
  • Strategies for effective crop protection, focusing on insect management and disease prevention.
  • Insights into the potential threats from pests like stink bugs and podworms, as well as diseases that can arise as humidity increases.


Soybean Growth Stages R1-R4
July 30, 2024

  • Learn how to identify various stages of pod growth.
  • Understand the significance of counting nodes to gauge maturity.
  • Discover the common pests and diseases that can affect pod development.
  • Get insights on what to expect as pods fully expand and move towards seed development.


Crop Update
July 1, 2024

  • The lifecycle of soybean plants, including the transition from unifoliate to trifoliate leaves
  • Formation of flower buds and their role in pod development
  • The difference between indeterminate and determinate soybean growth patterns
  • Impact of minor damage from deer and potential threats from pests like caterpillars and blister beetles
  • Management strategies as the plants move towards flowering, including herbicide use and pest control


Row Spacing & Seeding Rate

  • Evaluation of three row spacities: 30-inch, 15-inch, and 7.5-inch
  • Comparison of two plant populations: 90,000 and 120,000 plants per acre
  • Insights into competition dynamics and their effect on plant growth
  • Analysis of early and late-season plant growth across different row spacities
  • Recommendations for optimal planting strategies


180

DAYS FROM SEED TO HARVEST

350

HEAT UNITS NEEDED TO REACH MATURITY

23 gal

MOISTURE NEEDED DURING PLANT'S LIFE

27

SEEDS YEILDED PER PLANT