Wednesday, November 7, 2007
320-9

Foliar Fertilizer and Fungicide Combinations for Soybean: Impacts on Leaf Diseases, Grain Yield, and Grain Quality.

Daniel E. Kaiser, Antonio P. Mallarino, and Mazhar U. Haq. Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011

Increased soybean disease pressure, especially the threat of Asian Soybean Rust moving into northern states, has sparked increased interest in the use of fungicides for disease control. More than 100 field trials conducted in Iowa since the 1990s showed infrequent and inconsistent effects of foliar fertilization with macro- or micro-nutrients on soybean grain yield and quality. However, little or no research has focused on the use of foliar fertilizers and fungicides in combination and possible interactive effects. Five trials were established at three Iowa locations varying in soil P and K levels over 2 years. Eight treatments replicated three times arranged in a randomized-plot design involved fluid 3-8-15 and 28-0-0 (N-P-K) fertilizers applied alone at V5 or R2 growth stages and with or without a fungicide at the R2 stage. Disease incidence was measured after fungicide application. Soybean grain was tested for protein and oil concentrations. Fungicide application increased grain yield at three site-years, when it reduced disease incidence. Foliar fertilization did not affect grain yield or the fungicide effects. No treatment influenced grain oil and protein concentrations.