fivespringsfarms

Planting soybeans in cold, wet soils puts the bean seed in an unfavorable germination environment. Applying nutrition at planting can give the seed the energy it needs for germination and initial growth. GMS, being in liquid form, is an excellent source of nutrition for the immediate use of the germinating seed. Because it is made of highly refined food-grade raw materials, GMS can be  applied directly on the seed, although in warm, sandy soils it is best to place it near the soybean seed.

       Many fertilizers are toxic and must be buffered by the soil to prevent injury to the seed or newly germinated plant, so they are placed in a standard 2 by 2 (2 inches to the side and 2 inches below the seed) band configuration. A disadvantage of banding is that, in the first 10 days, only a few side roots have access to fertility while the majority grows down, missing the band.

      GMS is applied through a drop tube located about 2 inches behind the deed-drop on either the a planter or a drill. This allows GMS to enter the the seed trench before the soil is closed in around the seed. GMS can be supplied from tanks mounted on either the tractor or planter, and can be moved to the drop pipes by squeeze pump,piston pump,centrifugal pump,roller pump, or gravity. GMS application rates to the seed are controlled by using appropriate flow regulator sized for pressure and speed.

          Soybean seeds are very sensitive , especially in light, warm and dry soils, so when placing GMS directly on the seed in these conditions, use 1/2 gallon per acre, and never exceed the recommended one gallon per acre. This rate may be changed to two gallons per acre if the soil organic matter and clay  content increase, or when a grain drill is used rather than a row planter.However, when applying more than one gallon per acre to soybeans, especially in light soils, make sure the GMS is placed at least 2 inches from the soybean seed in either the standard 3 by 2 band placement or in the prefered manner of 2 inches directly below the seed.

   The soybeans second stress period in its growth cycle occurs when the plant is in pre-blossom. This is the best time to foliar spray, as the plant will show the maximum yield response. Foliar applications of GMS at this time can:

      *   enhance yield by maximizing the number of pods set

      *   improve the rooting system

      *   increase vegetative growth

      *   increase plant vitality

      *   increase bean size and the number of beans per pod

      Many farmers find foliar feeding is also a very effective tool to help the plant along during periods of stress such as drought, excess rainfall, or following herbicide applications. In these situations, it often happens that the plants roots have been injured and do not take up nutrition properly. Putting nutrition into the plant through foliar absorption can usually overcome stress problems.

           Foliar sprays should be applied in early mornings, late in the afternoon(evening), or on foggy,overcast days. Plants will not effectively absorb minerals through the foliage during the heat of the day or in bright sunlight.

     Foliar applications are generally made by ground equipment using boom sprayers, mist blowers, and highboy sprayers, however, some are made by helicoptors and spray planes.The rate of GMS foliar foliar sprayed at one time is usually at two gallons per acre, but will be governed by conditions at the time and those expected.