Tillage (Zone, Deep) Zone or strip tillage is likely to be more beneficial in corn production systems than in soybean, however, this may prove beneficial when planting soybeans early in cold wet soil. Deep tillage will often pay when a hard-pan or fragi-pan is present. This will allow for more efficient use of water; a deeper root system development therefore will alleviate late season drought stress. Under most circumstances deep placement of P and K does not lead to increased yield over broadcast applications. In SE coastal plains in sandy soils we may see leaching.

No Till vs. Tillage

Generally there is no yield decrease between no-till and conventional tillage soybean. However there are some soils where tillage may be necessary. Also in the north tillage may lead to early planting due to early soil warm-up. Continuous no-till also works. Soil structure continues to improve and, if you add an occasional tillage practice, the benefit to no-till is set back.

“For more information on this or other topics related to soybean production, contact your state extension specialist or your local extension educator/agent.”

The following is the link to the soybean extension specialists: state extension soybean specialist