Spring Planting Techniques for Soybeans in Northeast China

In the spring planting process of soybeans in Northeast China, adopting reasonable agricultural techniques is key to ensuring high and stable yields. Below are some key technical points organized based on advice from agricultural experts, aiming to provide agricultural practitioners with a clear and practical guide.

1. Crop Rotation and Land Preparation

• Crop Rotation System: Implement a rotation system such as rice-soybean or rice-soybean-wheat rotations to effectively prevent soil-borne diseases and improve soil structure.
• Land Preparation: Deeply till the soil in the fall, followed by soil compaction before it freezes to prevent moisture loss. For fields that did not undergo fall tilling, perform deep loosening, ridge making, and compaction before the soil freezes to ensure proper conditions for spring planting.

2. Seed Selection and Treatment

• Seed Quality: Choose high-quality seeds with a high germination rate and meet purity and cleanliness standards. Avoid planting outside the recommended area and select suitable varieties based on local climate and soil conditions.
• Seed Treatment: Use appropriate seed coatings to prevent soil-borne diseases and pests. If conditions allow, apply soybean rhizobium inoculants to further enhance seed vitality.

3. Precise Sowing and Plant Density

• Sowing Time: Start sowing when the soil temperature is stable above 8°C, adjusting sowing time based on soil moisture conditions.
• Sowing Techniques: Ensure uniform seed distribution. When using mechanical sowing, align with the ridge tops and adjust sowing depth and density to suit the specific conditions of the area.

4. Weed Control and Cultivation

• Weed Control Strategies: Use appropriate soil closure agents before sowing to control weeds. Choose suitable herbicides based on the developmental stage of weeds and apply them as needed.
• Cultivation Management: Perform timely inter-cultivation after emergence to promote soil aeration and moisture retention, improving seedbed quality.

5. Fertilization and Irrigation

• Fertilization Strategy: Apply fertilizers based on soil testing results, using a balanced mix of organic and chemical fertilizers. Optimize nutrient utilization through layered fertilization.
• Irrigation Management: Provide timely irrigation, especially during key growth stages such as flowering and pod-setting periods. Adjust the irrigation amount and frequency based on soil moisture and weather conditions.

6. Pest and Disease Control

• Prevention First: Strengthen pest and disease monitoring and forecasting. Use low-toxicity, low-residue pesticides and rotate chemicals to reduce pest and disease occurrences.
• Spraying Management: During the flowering and pod-setting stages, spray nutrient solutions and pest control agents as needed to protect flowers and pods, boosting yield potential.