Weather - As with most field crops, soybeans have sensitivities to light, temperature, and moisture. When planting, soybeans perform best when soil has warmed to 50 degrees Fahrenheit or better since they are susceptible to frost damage. Early planting in cool, wet soils reduces the likelihood of germination and increases risks of disease. During the full maturity stage, anywhere from five to ten days of dry weather are required to reduce moisture levels in the soybeans to less than 15 percent. Long storage periods will mean less moisture is desirable in beans to prevent mold and spoilage issues.
Genetic Modification - With the advent of biotechnology and the ability of scientists to adjust and modify plants for particular traits comes controversy over the impact on biodiversity. Roundup Ready crops allow farmers to sow seeds directly and possibly reducing soil erosion with no-till farming; however, there are theories that breeding the gene directly into many soybean cultivars may reduce genetic diversity, which can open up a whole host of problems - including disease resistance. Many countries do not allow GM crops, which causes export issues; especially when no GM stocks are cross contaminated with GM crops.
Disease and Pests - Again, as with most field crops, soybeans can play host to any number of plant and bean devastating molds or pests. Some diseases may destroy parts of the plant while others threaten the soybeans directly. Of the most widely recognized issues, a few are listed below:
Phytophthora Root Rot - Spread by spores from infected plants in soil and occurs most frequently in areas of clay soils and in flooded soils. Kills roots.
Soybean Cyst Nematode - A microscopic roundworm that infects soybeans roots and causes significant loss in soils where it is abundant - as much as 20 bushels an acre can be lost in a dry year and in sandy soils.
Septoria Brown Spot - A common leaf disease that can lead to up to fifteen percent yield losses. This fungus spreads in warm, humid weather.
Asiatic Soybean Rust - This is one you may hear often in the news as it is one of the diseases for which commercial soybean varieties lack resistance at this time. Infected plants can produce smaller yields and smaller beans.
With many pests and diseases, fungicides, crop rotation and early identification and proactive response can control and reduce risks to the crop.
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