Factors That Lead to Iron Deficiency Chlorosis in Soybeans
Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) can reduce plant growth and have a negative effect on soybean yield potential. IDC does not always affect an entire soybean field at one time, but the areas where IDC is present can show up to a 30 percent yield loss. Below we take a closer look at IDC and how it can damage a soybean plant.
Why is Iron Important for Soybean Plants?
Iron is one of the necessary micronutrients for soybean plant growth and development and is important for the following:
●The development of chlorophyll
●Energy transfer
●Plant respiration
●Plant metabolism
●Enzymes and proteins in the plant
●Root nodule formation
●Nitrogen fixation
Thus, if iron is missing from the plant makeup, it drastically affects plant growth and production.
Iron Deficiency Chlorosis Symptoms
Soybean IDC first appears on the youngest of the uppermost leaves. Symptoms typically occur between the first and third three-leaf stage of soybean development. What are the symptoms?
●Low chlorophyll development in the veins
●Tissue deterioration (Necrosis)
●Fallen or disconnected leaves (severe Necrosis)
●Complete plant breakdown or death
Causes of Iron Deficiency Chlorosis in Soybeans
IDC in soybeans occurs for any single or combination of factors such as:
●Soil Topography
The soils contains sufficient amounts of Iron but it may not be soluble. Therefore, the soybean plant cannot absorb it.
●Free Bicarbonate
When roots absorb nitrate, they release bicarbonate. Over time, free bicarbonate levels can increase in the soil, which increases the soil pH surrounding the roots. The increase in bicarbonate decreases the availability of Iron. As a result, IDC symptoms may develop.
●Plant Performance
Soybean plants can absorb adequate amounts of Iron when the soil pH is 7.5 or less. Higher levels of calcium carbonate can neutralize the excreted chemicals and may decrease the plant’s ability to take up adequate Iron.
●Environmental Conditions
When soil is wet, carbon dioxide can build up in the soil. As the level of carbon dioxide increases, so does the level of bicarbonate, which neutralizes the acid excreted from soybean roots and increases the potential for IDC. In addition, research has shown that IDC can be more severe at cool temperatures.
How to Mitigate Deficiency Chlorosis in Soybeans
You can mitigate or prevent IDC by doing the following:
●Carefully select the right soybean products. If you are unsure, then contact an Elk Mound Seed expert to help you with product selection.
●Purchase iron chelate products
●Plant cover crops
●Adjust planting rates.
Contact Elk Mound Seed Company
If you are looking for organic seed products for your garden, landscape, or plot, contact Elk Mound Seed Company. We offer a wide selection of seed products for farms and properties across the Midwest. To learn more about our products or to order your seeds, you can browse our website and order online.
You can also contact us at 800-401-7333, or you can message us at sales@Elkmoundseed.com.
Recent Posts
-
The Importance of Reading Herbicide Labels for Glyphosate Tolerant Crops
Reading and interpreting a herbicide label has become increasingly difficult over the past several y …Jun 16th 2022 -
Growing High-Yielding Oats
We feel like we have always done a great job providing our growers and dealers with high quality se …Feb 24th 2022 -
Farmers Spring To Do List: Evaluate Alfalfa Winterkill
As we near the planting season, farmers are getting outside and assessing their alfalfa fiel …Jan 29th 2022