KTIC Radio Extension Corner: Iron Deficiency Chlorosis in Soybeans

Iron Deficiency Chlorosis in Soybeans in the Platte River Bottom or “Platte Valley Yellows”

This is Dr. Nathan Mueller, your local agronomist for Nebraska Extension. Last week I discussed that iron in soybeans and zinc in corn are usually the only micronutrient problems in East Central Nebraska. Visit croptechcafe.org to listen to last week’s radio message.

Iron deficiency chlorosis in soybeans or sometimes called “Platte Valley Yellows” has been something we have dealt with since we started planting soybeans. Iron is the fourth most abundant element, however at high soil pH, plant availability can be limiting. Soybean roots release hydrogen and organic acid ions to acidify soil and increase iron uptake. Corn releases chelates, called phytosiderophores, to increase iron uptake. This is a much more effective mechanism. That is why you don’t see iron deficiency in corn plants very frequently like you do in soybeans.

So how can we help our soybeans? Variety selection, wide rows, higher seeding rates, starter fertilizer, seed-applied fertilizer, foliar fertilizer, and elemental sulfur are all options. However, not all of these options are equally effective or economical.

Most growers and seed dealers have been using variety selection. Something new to consider is using Fe-EDDHA, an effective chelated iron fertilizer, applied as a seed treatment. Recent research has found that variety selection is not as critical when varieties are supplemented with seed-applied chelated iron fertilizer. An example of a product name for this kind of fertilizer is called SoyGreen.

To learn more about effective management practices for iron deficiency chlorosis in soybeans, call me at 727-2775 or visit our local website at croptechcafe.org. Tune in next week to learn about managing zinc deficiency in your corn. Know your crop, know your tech, know your bottom line. This is Dr. Nathan Mueller, your local agronomist for Nebraska Extension on KTIC radio.