Cold spring delayed soybean development in Ukraine and increased yield loss risks

A cool spring and low temperatures at the beginning of the planting season have negatively affected soybean development in Ukraine. Delayed emergence in part of the crop may result in lower pod set on the stem, increasing harvest losses. This was reported by Serhii Ivaniuk, Agrotechnology Development Manager for the Central Region at LNZ Group.

According to Ivaniuk, soybean planting this year began in the second half of April. Early-planted fields emerged only after 11–18 days due to a significant cold spell, while crops sown later emerged within 9–12 days.

He explained that cold soils and low air temperatures slowed seedling emergence, negatively affecting early plant development. As a result, soybean plants formed a shorter main stem, while varieties with a genetic tendency to branch produced more lateral shoots.

At the same time, in varieties with limited branching, the low position of the hypocotyl may cause the lowest pods to develop too close to the ground. This increases harvest losses, as pods located near the soil surface are more difficult for combines to collect. According to the expert, every pod left on the plant after harvesting reduces yield by approximately 0.1 t/ha.

Ivaniuk added that conditions vary across Ukraine’s traditional soybean-growing regions. The best crop development is currently observed in the southern parts of Cherkasy and Vinnytsia regions, as well as in the northern part of Kirovohrad region.

Tags: soybean, crop condition, crop forecast, Ukraine