It was feared the wet, cooler weather conditions in 2018 would be ideal for Sudden Death Syndrome (sds) infestations. This soil-borne fungus overwinters in fields. Although it does not affect corn plants, it can survive in corn residue and then attack soybean fields in subsequent years. Based on what I have seen as I’ve traveled across Latham Country, the infestations do not seem to be as severe as feared. I’m finding Brown Stem Rot (BSR) is more prevalent in fields than it has been in recent years. Foliar symptoms of SDS and BSR are almost identical. To tell the difference between the two, you must split stems and dig up roots. I make this point because I believe many reported cases of SDS should be attributed to BSR.

Why hasn’t Sudden Death been a larger problem this year? To confirm my theories, I called Dr. Daren Mueller, an Iowa State University Extension Plant Pathologist. Dr. Mueller also has observed less evidence of severe SDS and said his colleagues from neighboring states are seeing less SDS pressure, as well. The following are some of Dr. Mueller’s thoughts on possible reasons for this:

» DELAYED PLANTING: The Sudden Death fungus attacks soybean roots as early as the V2 stage. Wet, cool weather favors SDS infestations, but such conditions also prevent soybeans from being planted very early. It has been proven by numerous researchers that one way to combat SDS severity is to plant later. Once farmers were able to get soybeans planted this spring, the temperature had turned very warm. Warm soil temps in early May caused soybeans to emerge quickly, lessening the chance of root infestations.

» SDS TOLERANCE: Seed companies, in general, have done a better job of developing cultivars with improved tolerance to Sudden Death. Dr. Mueller was quick to point this out as a management strategy that is working well. At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we’ve been focusing on SDS as part of our IRONCLAD™ defensive package since 2013. (IRONCLAD is available exclusively from Latham Seeds.)

» COMPACTION: Farmers are doing a much better job of reducing compaction in their fields by waiting for soils to get fit before they’re worked. Research proves the SDS fungus thrives in compacted areas of fields.

» SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODE (SCN): Research shows higher SCN populations can cause SDS infestations to be more severe, so managing SCN is an important step.

» SEED TREATMENTS: Products like ILeVO® are an important tool in the fight against SDS. Dr. Mueller stresses that while ILeVO is very good, it is not a “silver bullet” for preventing SDS. My experience with Latham research shows soybeans treated with ILeVO yield an average of 4 to 8 bushels per acre (bu/A), and it is effective 70-80% of the time.

Effective management for SDS includes all the above factors plus more going forward. At Latham Seeds, we strive to be on the forefront of the battle against this disease and other yield-robbing pests that affect your yield and bottom line.

We all desire more yield. Although plant genetics are responsible for massive amounts of yield gain since we transitioned from open pollinated corn to hybridization, it’s time we take a deeper look. It’s time we rediscover soil’s role in increasing yield and redefine plant diets.

“We can increase real organic matter 0.1% per year on intensely managed farms, and that increases our corn yield goal 2.7 bushels,” Ken Rulon of Arcadia, Indiana, is quoted as saying in a June 2018 issue of The Furrow magazine. “When you increase organic matter the soil becomes darker, and everybody in the world knows darker soil is more productive.”

Rulon can prove using no-till and cover crops is improving soil quality— and returning a net profit of $57.76 per acre on his family’s 6,300-acre farm. He and his family have worked extensively with Purdue University researchers, whose replicated plots show the same results. The Rulons are producing higher yields using 20 pounds less phosphorus, 30 pounds less potash and 35 pounds less nitrogen per acre than conventional practices.

Healthy soil has amazing water-retention capacity. The Furrow article illustrates how improved soil structure, specifically organic matter (OM), has helped reduce yield losses during dry conditions. This is important because the timing of rain events is unpredictable. Case in point: this season fields in the Upper Midwest received high volumes of rain during short amounts of time. Improving the OM in the soil helps absorb water more quickly, holding it in the root zone like a massive soil sponge. Therefore, good soil structure also helps reduce erosion.

Each soil type and growing climate is uniquely different, making It critical that you do some research on your own farm. You know which fields need more attention, so consider giving that piece of ground some TLC. Develop a plan. Consider a Solvita® soil test as a good starting point. Need more inspiration? Check out the 7 Wonders of Corn Yield by Dr. Fred Below.

Thinking long term for that piece of ground will help cast a vision. Have improved soil health define part of your life legacy and give an amazing gift to humanity!