As a farmer, there are various challenges you may face when it comes to managing your soybean crop. One of the most significant challenges is controlling pests that can negatively impact your crop yields and profitability. In this article, we will discuss some of the control measures that you can implement to keep destructive pests at bay.
Implement Crop Rotation
One of the simplest and most effective ways to control pests is by crop rotation. Rotating soybean with other crops has proven successful in suppressing pests because it disrupts the pest breed cycle. Every pest has a favorite crop. Planting the same crop in the same field for successive years allows pests to breed and accumulate in the soil, and weeds that act as alternate hosts survive also.
Rotate with legumes, grains, or non-host crops such as cotton to maintain soybean field-pest-free for a while, these are key to reducing the number of pests in a given field and enhancing the crop’s productivity.
Introduce beneficial insects
Another way to control pests in the soybean crop is by introducing helpful insects that feed on pests’ larvae or eggs. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, predatory mites, and parasitic wasps feed on pests like aphids and spider mites that prey on soybean.
You could also choose to plant a variety of plants that attract beneficial insects. Wildflowers like sunflowers, pollinators, and clover are great options for attracting insects that feed on pests.
Use biological control
A biological control could comprise beneficial microorganisms usually found naturally in the soil or those added to produce soybean plants. Bacillus, for instance, is one microorganism useful for controlling soybean crop pests. Its spore’s presence has a beneficial impact on plant growth and pest inhibition.
Insecticides
While insecticides are an excellent pest control measure, it is essential to correctly identify the pest and determine its stage of growth. Different pests require different insecticides with varying dosage, duration, and method of application.
The timing of an insecticide application is crucial. Proper scheduling of the spray during the early growth stages of the soybean crop is beneficial in pest control and also reduces the likelihood of incidence and progression of disease vectors.
Insecticides should be used as a last resort and aim at targeting the pest’s specific stage of growth for maximum effectiveness.
In conclusion, pests are a significant challenge that can have a disastrous effect on your soybean crop; therefore, you must use effective control methods. Crop rotation, introducing beneficial insects, using biological control, and insecticides are effective methods for preventing pests and enhancing soybean yield.