Soybeans are one of the most important crops in global agriculture — and especially vital to Brazil’s economy. As demand grows, producers are constantly looking for ways to increase productivity without drastically increasing costs or harming the environment.
The good news is that you don’t need high-end technology or huge investments to boost yields. Sometimes, the key to better results lies in mastering the basics and applying proven techniques consistently.
Here are practical, low-cost strategies to improve soybean productivity on your farm.
1. Start with High-Quality Seeds
Seed selection is the foundation of any productive crop. Investing in certified, high-performance soybean varieties adapted to your region’s climate and soil can make a major difference.
What to consider:
- Disease resistance (e.g., rust, nematodes)
- Early or late-cycle varieties depending on your sowing window
- Compatibility with your soil and rainfall patterns
- Genetic potential for high yield
Using seeds with high germination rates reduces losses and ensures more uniform stands.
2. Perform Soil Testing and Corrective Practices
Before planting, it’s essential to understand what your soil needs. A simple soil analysis helps determine pH levels and nutrient availability.
Key tips:
- Correct soil acidity using lime (calcário) to reach ideal pH (around 6.0)
- Apply gypsum (gesso agrícola) if necessary to improve calcium and sulfur content
- Follow nutrient recommendations based on the soil test — especially phosphorus and potassium
A well-balanced soil profile leads to stronger roots, better nutrient uptake, and ultimately, better yields.
3. Use Crop Rotation and Cover Crops
Rotating soybeans with other crops like corn, millet, or brachiaria helps break pest and disease cycles while improving soil structure.
Cover crops offer additional benefits:
- Prevent erosion
- Add organic matter
- Fix nitrogen (in the case of legumes like crotalaria or mucuna)
- Suppress weeds naturally
These practices build long-term soil fertility and support sustainable production.
4. Plant at the Right Time
Timing is everything in agriculture. Planting soybeans at the ideal window for your region ensures better emergence, less stress, and improved flowering and grain fill.
Consider:
- Soil temperature (ideally above 20°C)
- Weather forecasts to avoid drought or heavy rain at planting
- Moon phase or traditional calendar, if that aligns with your management style
Delays or early planting can expose crops to climate risks, pests, and yield loss.
5. Calibrate and Maintain Planting Equipment
Even with good seeds and soil, poor planting can ruin productivity. Make sure your planter is:
- Well-calibrated to avoid seed overlap or spacing issues
- Equipped with well-maintained discs and coulters
- Adjusted for uniform depth and pressure
- Tested on a small strip before sowing large areas
Proper mechanical settings ensure better germination and more even stands.
6. Monitor Pest and Disease Pressure
Soybeans are susceptible to pests like:
- Soybean looper (lagarta falsa-medideira)
- Stink bugs (percevejos)
- Leafhoppers (cigarrinhas)
And diseases like:
- Asian soybean rust
- Powdery mildew
- Cercospora leaf spot
Adopt integrated pest management (IPM): monitor the field regularly, apply biological controls when possible, and use chemicals only when thresholds are exceeded.
7. Optimize Fertilization and Inoculation
Soybeans need balanced nutrition. Even though they fix nitrogen through symbiosis, they still require key nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur.
Recommendations:
- Use Rhizobium inoculants correctly to improve nitrogen fixation
- Apply micronutrients (especially zinc, molybdenum, and boron) as needed
- Avoid over-fertilizing — follow lab recommendations to save money and reduce runoff
Proper inoculation also increases root nodulation and supports healthy, vigorous plants.
8. Implement Efficient Weed Control
Weeds compete for light, water, and nutrients. Early control is critical for soybeans, especially during the first 30 days.
Tips:
- Use pre-emergent herbicides before sowing
- Apply post-emergent products based on weed type
- Consider mechanical weeding or cover crops to reduce herbicide use
- Avoid over-reliance on glyphosate to prevent resistant weeds
Timely control improves establishment and reduces stress on the crop.
9. Use Biological Inputs and Soil Activators
Biological agriculture is gaining ground. Products like biofertilizers, biostimulants, and biodefensives can enhance root development, stress tolerance, and pest resistance.
Some options:
- Trichoderma fungi to protect roots
- Azospirillum for improved nitrogen uptake
- Seaweed extract to stimulate plant metabolism
These products often complement — not replace — traditional inputs and work best with good management.
10. Analyze Results and Adjust for Next Season
Finally, a key practice often overlooked: post-harvest analysis. After harvest, evaluate:
- Yield per plot
- Input use vs. results
- Pest and disease history
- Rainfall and temperature records
Use this information to fine-tune your strategy for the next season — improving productivity step by step.
Final Thoughts: Productivity Through Simplicity
Boosting soybean yields doesn’t always require big investments. With a focus on soil health, timely management, and informed decisions, farmers can achieve excellent results even with limited resources.
Start small, test what works best for your property, and build a more productive and resilient soybean system — one smart choice at a time.