This experiment compared grain yield of clear hilum soybean varieties (Table 1). Soybean cultivars were planted in 30 inch rows on June 6, 1999, May 31, 2000, and June 12, 2001 in plots 10 by 100 ft. Soybean were planted at 125,000 to 150,000 seeds/acre. The study was arranged as a randomized complete block design with four replications. All of the plots were managed as though they were certified organic. Plots were rotary hoed three times and cultivated twice in 1999. In 2000, plots were fertilized with cattle manure prior to seed bed preparation, rotary hoed three times, and cultivated three times. In 2001, plots were rotary hoed and cultivated two times. Plots were maintained weed-free throughout the growing season. Soil was a silty clay loam with 3% organic matter and pH 6.5. Soybean were harvested with a small-plot combine. Final yield was adjusted to 13% moisture (Table 1). 1999 was a relative dry summer.

Weather conditions were more favorable and grain yields were much higher in 2000. Merschman Cheyenne V grain yield was 31.8 bu/a in 1999, Stine 2800-0 grain yield was 52.7 bu/a in 2000, and Cheyenne V grain yield was 44.4 bu/a in 2001. Economic, marketing, organic, and certified considerations need to be evaluated prior to growing organic soybean.

Additional information on organic production systems and organic soybean is available from your local extension agronomist. In Northeast Missouri, contact Dr. Leon McIntyre (Linn Co.) or Dr. Alix Carpenter (Marion Co.) for additional information on organic soybean production or marketing. The results of this study have been encouraging continued research has been planned at the Greenley Memorial Research Center.Table 1. Grain yield of organic soybean varieties in 1999, 2000, and 2001 (Organ0101).

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