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Did not read all of Roberts response. Good stuff. I will also add we have a different situation here with rice in the MS Delta with the use of Paraquat which is used and drifted on rice can really cause rice yield loss.

I have done research on this topic in my past jobs. I will say using a desiccant can effect soybean that is used as seed. I say seed here because I want to emphasize the use of the soybean crop as a seed crop. It can affect quality. We also tend to try to pull the trigger on desiccants too early which can affect quality at the elevator. I do understand getting that crop out of the field and it’s a real give and take. You may need to get it out quickly because of weather or other crops needing more attention. Just know that desiccating can/may hurt you at the elevator. Make sure your crop is at 6.5 maturity when the pod and pod wall turn their mature color. My 10 cents.

This is what I got from Perplexity. Several studies have been conducted on soybean desiccation, examining its effects on yield, harvest timing, and seed quality. Here's a summary of the key findings: ## Timing of Desiccation The timing of desiccation is crucial for maintaining yield and seed quality: - Ideally, desiccation should be done when seeds have reached physiological maturity at stage R6.5[1]. This is when the membrane attaching the seed to the pod wall on the upper main stem nodes begins to separate. - Applying desiccants too early (before R6.5) can significantly reduce yield[1][2]. For example, one study found yield losses between 20-30% when desiccants were applied too early[4]. - Defoliation at R6.5 and R7.0 growth stages provided the best yield results in a Pioneer field study[1]. ## Pros of Soybean Desiccation 1. Earlier harvest: Desiccation can expedite harvest by an average of 9 days compared to normal dry down[1]. 2. Increased efficiency: It can help manage issues like green stems or excessive weeds that interfere with harvest[1]. 3. Reduced harvest loss and foreign materials: This can lead to less dockage at delivery[1]. 4. Allows for earlier planting: Combined with desiccation, this can potentially increase yields[1]. ## Cons and Risks 1. Yield loss: If applied too early, desiccants can significantly reduce yields[1][2][4]. 2. Seed quality issues: Early application may negatively affect seed quality[2]. 3. Timing challenges: The window for optimal application is narrow, and mistiming can lead to problems[1]. 4. Pre-harvest interval: Some desiccants have longer pre-harvest intervals, which requires careful planning[1]. ## Yield Benefits - When applied at the correct time (R6.5 or later), desiccants generally do not provide a yield benefit but rather maintain yield while allowing for earlier harvest[1][2]. - In some cases, desiccation at R7.2 or R7.3 showed yields superior to untreated controls[2]. ## Desiccants Used Common desiccants include: - Paraquat (Gramoxone®) - Saflufenacil (Sharpen®) - Sodium chlorate (Defol® 5) - Glufosinate - Diquat However, it's important to note that paraquat has been banned in some countries, like Brazil[2]. ## Considerations - The choice of desiccant and timing can vary based on factors like soybean variety, location, and specific farm conditions[2]. - For seed production, harvesting at around 13% moisture is recommended to optimize seed quality[3]. - Food-grade or non-GMO soybean producers should consult with their contractors for specific recommendations[3]. In conclusion, while soybean desiccation can be an effective tool for harvest management, it requires careful timing and consideration of various factors to avoid yield losses and quality issues. The primary benefit is in harvest timing and efficiency rather than yield increase. Sources [1] Timing Soybean Desiccation as a Harvest Aid - Pioneer® Seeds https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/Timing-Soybean-Desiccation-As-A-Harvest-Aid.html [2] Glufosinate and diquat in pre-harvest desiccation of soybean at four ... https://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?pid=S0718-58392022000300448&script=sci_arttext [3] Harvest considerations for overly dry soybeans https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/harvest_considerations_for_overly_dry_soybeans [4] Exploring Desiccant Usage for Better On-Farm Decision Making https://soybeanresearchinfo.com/research-highlight/exploring-desiccant-usage-for-better-on-farm-decision-making/ [5] Is soybean desiccation an effective harvest aid? - Farm Progress https://www.farmprogress.com/soybean/is-soybean-desiccation-an-effective-harvest-aid- [6] Soybean Desiccation: What Rate is Best? - XtremeAg.Farm https://www.xtremeag.farm/videos/soybean-desiccation-day [7] Exploring the Feasibility of Soybean Desiccant Use in Minnesota https://soybeanresearchinfo.com/research-highlight/exploring-the-feasibility-of-soybean-desiccant-use-in-minnesota/ [8] Should you use desiccant to dry down soybeans? - Farm Progress https://www.farmprogress.com/soybean/should-you-use-desiccant-to-dry-down-soybeans-