Soybean yield is ultimately determined by the number and weight of the seeds at harvest. However, the journey to that point is a season-long endeavor starting from the moment the seed enters the ground and ending as the soybeans reach physiological maturity.

At this point in the growing season, depending on your geographical location, you may have the ability to influence four of the five 

! For now, we will focus on nodes per plant, pods per node, seeds per pod, and seed weight.

Increasing nodes per plant is achieved by increasing the potential for vegetative growth throughout the life of the plant. The main component (outside of weather) that will promote vegetative growth is the presence of adequate amounts of soil fertility. Potassium (K) is a major component in soybean production as it aids in nodulation and the regulation of plant stomata and photosynthesis production. Without proper K levels, many functions, such as root growth, leaf surface area, and cellulose production, cannot be maximized. This leads to less vegetative growth and fewer nodes per plant. One of the most efficient ways to increase nodes per plant is by planting early to maximize vegetative growth.

There are many options for foliar nutrition products that are PFR Proven™ in Beck's Practical Farm Research (PFR)®, but I must caution that these are used as nutritional supplements and not replacements for soil-applied nutrition. Oftentimes, with the presence of foliar-applied products, soybeans will respond by increasing the number of nodes on the main stem or by increasing lateral branching to improve node count.

Pods per node is a key component affecting the weight of the seed produced. A node is a junction on the soybean stem where a petiole and trifoliate leaf are attached. Flowers and the resulting pods form at the nodes of the plant. Plant stress, whether abiotic or biotic, can greatly impact flower fertilization, flower retention, and pod development.

One of the main yield-determining factors in soybeans is the total number of pods. We know that 70% of a soybean plant’s yield comes from nodes 6 to 13, which are present at the R3 growth stage. Leading up to retaining pods is a focus on the retention of soybean flowers. Soybeans have the ability in an undisturbed environment to produce over 1,000 flowers and pods, but we typically only retain around 100 pods in the highest of yield scenarios.

As soybeans begin to flower, it is crucial to actively scout and observe fields before any applications are made. Consult your herbicide labels before any applications are made to ensure applications do not negatively affect the flower/pod set of the soybeans. Insects are also a driver in the reduction of pods. Stink bugs, aphids, pod worms, grasshoppers, and bean leaf beetles are a few examples that can adversely affect the number of pods. These insects occur at various plant stages, so season-long scouting is required.

Growing conditions shortly after flowering drive the number of seeds per pod. Stressful conditions have the potential to arrest seed development. Seed fill begins at the R4 growth stage and is completed by R6. Root growth slows as seed growth begins, leading to increased moisture sensitivity. Healthy soybean plants should average two and a half seeds per pod.


This yield component is mainly influenced by late-season weather and moisture. Anything we as farmers can do to reduce stress during the grain fill period will be a benefit in increasing grain weight.

One of the most consistent applications that we have found to increase these yield components of soybeans is the application of a foliar fungicide and insecticide at the R3 growth stage. Beck's PFR has identified ten PFR Proven™ fungicides that can be used in this application, along with a few fungicide additives to enhance the trip across the field.

In many regions, it may not be too late to influence the factors listed above. For even more information, reach out to your local Beck's representative or 