Measurement of soybean grain yield and aboveground biomass at maturity by crop cut at plot level

Hauser S, Kamara A, Omoigui L and Boukar O. 2023. Measurement of soybean grain yield and aboveground biomass at maturity by crop cut at plot level, v1. Standard Operating Procedure 012. In: Saito K, Johnson J-M, Hauser S, Corbeels M, Devkota M and Casimero M. 2023. Guideline for measuring agronomic gain key performance indicators in on-farm trials, v. 1. Excellence in Agronomy for Sustainable Intensification and Climate Change Adaptation Initiative.

Soybean is an important grain legume, providing high-protein food to humans and animals (Fig. 1). Some varieties have a high oil content. Due to its ability to form nodules with rhizobia and to fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2), it does not require large amounts of N-fertilizer and can have positive effects on the soil fertility. However, in soils in which soybean has not been grown before, inoculation with compatible rhizobia may be required to effectively fix N2. Soybean is a medium-duration grain legume, of which there is a large number of varieties. Soybeans mature in 115–125 days after sowing (DAS). Thus, the harvest should be planned according to the maturity type sown.