(NDAgConnection.com) – North Dakota State University Extension has released updates to a publication for farmers and crop advisers that produce or manage soybean. The “Soybean Growth and Management Quick Guide” provides a narrative description and pictures of the various soybean plant vegetative and reproductive growth stages.

“Correct production decisions using plant growth staging and timing are important for successful soybean production,” says Greg Endres, NDSU Extension cropping systems specialist, publication reviewer and original co-author.

Besides plant growth stages, the publication describes key biological factors occurring in soybean. For example, the R4-R6 reproductive stages (full pod to full seed development) is the most crucial period for determining seed yield. Any stress during this period causes more yield reduction than at any other time.

“Farmers who understand how a soybean plant grows and develops can adjust their field practices to maximize the genetic potential of the varieties grown,” says Hans Kandel, Extension broadleaf crops agronomist and another reviewer of the publication.