On-farm soybean cultivar evaluation for suitability to organic production in southern Manitoba
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Date
2016
Authors
Carkner, Michelle
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Abstract
Lack of technical knowledge and proper soybean cultivars are barriers for organic farmers to take advantage of increased organic soybean demand in Manitoba from domestic and international markets. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of 12 early season non-GM food grade soybean cultivars under organic management in southern Manitoba. Cultivars were seeded on four organic farms and one transition to organic farm in southern Manitoba in 2014 and 2015. The mean cultivar yield ranged from 1384 to 1807 kg ha-1, with a mean of 1536 kg ha-1. Cultivars ‘Savanna’ and ‘Toma’ were high performers, but exhibited low stability across sites. Partial Least Squares Regression Analysis indicated that soybean mature height, and biomass at R5 positively contributed to final grain yield. Early height positively contributed to biomass at R5 but negatively affected final grain yield. Soil nitrate content negatively contributed to final grain yield. Weed competitiveness was of particular interest in this study. Contrary to previous reports, cultivars that exhibited early season vigour often resulted in lower yields, biomass accumulation, and increased weed presence as compared to other cultivars.
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Keywords
Agriculture, Soybean, Organic, Cultivar evaluation, Weed management