By Eric Anderson
Soybean farmers in Michigan often face several challenges at harvest time. One is having part of a field ready for harvest while the plants in other parts are still too wet or even green. Another challenge in some years is getting soybeans harvested early enough for a timely winter wheat planting. Weed growth can also cause problems during harvest, particularly when weeds are still green and tend to wrap around the combine head or cause problems with the crop feeding into the head.
One practice commonly used by soybean farmers in the southern U.S. and dry bean growers in Michigan may help alleviate some of these challenges for Michigan soybean farmers. Desiccation involves applying a herbicide or desiccant (drying agent) to a crop to cause plant death or quicken dry-down. In a survey prior to the 2024 Soybean Harvest Equipment Field Day, 53% of respondents indicated they knew a little about desiccating soybeans but were interested in learning more, and 4% were interested in trying it on a field.
Source : msu.edu