Productivity of Dewey and Emory soils for soybeans

The purpose of this study was to determine the productivity of Emory and Dewey soil mapping units for soybeans and to relate their yields to certain soil properties. The average yields as determined by this study may be used as a guide in updating the soybean yield estimates of Emory and Dewey soils in Tennessee. It must be realized that the results of this study are a collection of only one year's data; therefore, care must be taken when updating soybean yield estimates. Yield data for soybeans were obtained from privately owned farms in Blount County, Tennessee. The plots were selected and soil samples were taken prior to planting. All producers cooperating in this study were interviewed to gather information on their production and manage-ment practices. The soil samples from each plot were analyzed for pH, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, percent sand, percent silt, and percent clay. Variance that was due to fields and soils was determined and significance determined by an "F" test. It was found that there was a significant difference among the soil mapping units for yield, percent silt, and percent clay. Percent sand, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, pH, and plant population were not significant at the 0.01 level of probability among soil mapping units. There were significant differences among fields for all variables at the 0.01 level. Except for weed control, there appeared to be no obvious relationship between management practices and yield.