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SMARTFARM

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION ELEVATING SOYBEAN PRODUCTION

Adopting SIL’s Seven Best Agronomic Practices

HOW WOULD I USE THE SMART FARM TRIALS?

BUNDLES HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED?

MANAGING EDITOR

MARLI FAVORETTO

CONTENT DIRECTOR

ERIC SEDIVY

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

KELSIE CAMLING

ZOE SERELIS

JOHN SEDIVY

ART DIRECTION

AMANDA MOREIRA

SMARTFARM SUMMARY

FromtheLead

For most of us learning something new is rarely an easy task. Think about the first time you tried to learn a dance, play a sport, or construct an item for the household. Likely your first attempts were rough or unsteady and may even have resulted in failure. However, through practice and discipline dance steps gain grace, attempts to score points achieve precision, and constructed items become functional and beautiful. The best way to learn something is by doing that thing, and growing soybean is no different.

For many of SIL’s partners, soybean is a new crop. The SMART Farm system provides a structured space for aspiring soybean producers to learn the agronomic lessons critical for business success: “How should my farmers plant soybean to maximize productivity?” “If my farmers can only afford a single input, what should they buy?” “What can I do to protect my fields from seasonal pests and diseases?” The SMART Farms empower our local partners by addressing these questions, illuminating hitherto unknown challenges, and creating a roadmap for soybean commercialization.

Since 2015, the SMART Farms have provided 57 public and private organizations in 21 countries a “classroom” to learnby-doing. These organizations have in-turn supported over 80,000 farmers planting soybean on 60,000 hectares. This is a clear signal that not only is Sub-Sarhan Africa able to meet the increasing local demands for soybean, but that it can do so in a profitable manner that improves farmer livelihood in a way few other crops can manage.

The best way to learn something new is by doing it, and with the SMART Farm trials SIL’s partners are provided a space to see what works, and experience the critical lessons necessary for scaling profitable soybean production.

EricSedivy

PAT & SMART FARMS LEAD

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE

OUR TEAM

ERIC SEDIVY

MARLI FAVORETTO Seed Quality Manager Lead & Assistant Director

ZOE SERELIS JOHN SEDIVY KELSIE CAMLING

Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator

talk about SMART Farms!

Revolutionizing Soybean Farming in Sub-Saharan Africa with SMART Farms. Let’s

A farmer in a soybean field in Africa.

Photo: Image generated through artificial intelligence.

The Challenge:

Guidance on conventional soybean farming in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has long been inconsistent and anecdotal. This lack of clear direction on field management has resulted in variable yields, causing economic losses for farmers and a decline in interest in soybean cultivation.

Introducing Formality to Farming:

Recognizing this critical knowledge gap, the Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) established SMART Farms (Soybean Management with Appropriate Research and Technology) to replace anecdotal guidance with evidencebased practices. By formalizing farming methods, SIL aims to empower farmers with reliable information and ignite sustained interest in soybean cultivation across SSA.

SMART Farms: Tailored Solutions for Profitability

Since 2014, SMART Farms has been at the forefront of addressing African soybean growers' agronomic challenges. Drawing upon extensive research and field expertise, these farms offer customized soybean management solutions tailored to maximize profitability for each grower’s unique field conditions.

SMART Farm trial in Gorue, Mozambique.

Photo: Steve Boahen, IITA Mozambique.

SMART Farm trial in Gorue, Mozambique. Photo: Steve Boahen, IITA Mozambique.

Which Bundle Suits Your Field Best?

Soybean is an input-intensive crop. Products like lime, inoculum, phosphorus, and potassium are common inputs that enhance soybean yield. However, the interplay of specific field conditions and financial constraints may render the use of all four inputs either unnecessary or economically unfeasible. SIL employs the term “Bundle” to denote the optimal combination of inputs and practices tailored to particular locations.

The Red Bundle represents the standard cultivation package, including using certified soybean seeds and adopting best management. Building upon the Red Bundle, the Yellow, Blue, Green, and Purple Bundles integrate 1, 2, 3, and 4 additional inputs, respectively. SIL advocates for a gradual investment in new technology to mitigate financial risks associated with applying new inputs, prioritizing maximum financial returns with minimal input costs, and leveraging initial successes to inform future input decisions.

It's essential to recognize that the addition of more input does not always equate to better outcomes. Different fields will benefit from varying input Bundles depending on environmental conditions and soil fertility levels. While additional inputs may yield higher production, they also incur increased costs.

The SMART Farm input omission trials pair agronomic results with local input and grain prices to ascertain the most profitable and productive input Bundle.

The Farmer determines the Bundle

Although SIL has highlighted lime, inoculum, phosphorus, and potassium as valuable inputs for farmers to integrate into their bundles, other agricultural inputs may hold equal importance for soybean growth in specific regions. As a farmer’s requirements evolve, the SMART Farm template can be tailored to accommodate additional fertilizers, agronomic practices, or adopting protective or preventive products.

Elevating Soybean Production: Adopting SIL’s Seven Best Agronomic Practices

Implementing the best agronomic practices is crucial for enhancing soybean production and driving progress toward higher yields and superior quality. Through the comprehensive examination of agronomic management practices within the SMART Farm program, seven key strategies have emerged for maximizing soybean yield.

Tradicional Farming Pratices

50-kilogram bags

180-USD

19,500-KES

147,700-MKW

1,000-GHS

7,900-BR

600-USD

65,900-KES

491,800-MKW

3,500-GHS

4,100-ZMK

11,400-MZN

644,000-UGX

26,700-BR

13,800-ZMK

38,700-MZN

2,176,000-UGX

2.5x

RED BUNDLE Good Agronomic Pratices

50-kilogram bags

7. TIMELY WEEDING

GOOD AGRONOMIC PRACTICES

3. NARROW ROW SPACING

TIMELY SCOUTING

1 2

Testing Seed Germination Before Planting

The cornerstone of successful soybean cultivation lies in the quality of seeds. Conducting germination tests before planting ensures the selection of highquality seeds, laying the groundwork for uniform emergence and robust crop establishment. This practice sets the stage for enhanced yields and superior crop performance.

Planting Once the Rains Start

3 4

Planting on Narrow Row Spacing

Optimizing row spacing is pivotal for maximizing light interception, nutrient uptake, and weed suppression. Narrow row spacing promotes canopy closure, enhances light interception efficiency, boosts yield, and reduces weed competition.

Soil Preparation

Adequate soil preparation sets the stage for successful soybean cultivation by promoting optimal root development and nutrient availability. Properly prepared soil facilitates uniform seedbed conditions, enabling vigorous crop establishment and sustained growth throughout the season.

Ensuring Timely Weeding

Proactive weed management is essential for minimizing competition and maximizing soybean yields. Timely weeding interventions optimize yield potential by mitigating weed pressure, allowing soybeans to grow vigorously.

Plant Population

Striking the right plant population density is essential for maximizing yield potential without overcrowding. Optimizing plant population ensures efficient resource utilization and minimizes competition, ultimately optimizing crop performance and yield potential.

Timely Scouting for Pests and Diseases

Vigilance against pests and diseases is crucial for protecting soybean crops and preserving yield potential. Regular scouting enables early detection of pest and disease pressures, facilitating timely intervention strategies to mitigate damage and protect yields.

These seven agronomic practices are transforming soybean yields in SSA. Rooted in empirical evidence from the SMART Farm trials, these practices answer the question, “How do I achieve profitable soybean yields?” while boosting agricultural productivity and bolstering global food security.

HOW WOULD I USE THE SMART FARM TRIALS?

As seen in many examples they’ve shared, companies using SMART Farm trial results are meeting unique customer demands and bolstering business outcomes.

For instance, one company wants to pinpoint the most profitable combination of inputs for its contract farmers. By testing the SMART Farm’s omission trials, they identify crucial inputs that significantly impact yield and profitability, leading to more informed decisions and greater return on investment.

In another scenario, a company concentrates on determining the efficacy of its products in specific markets or regions. Employing field trials, it assesses product performance under real-world conditions, enabling it to offer tailored solutions to customers. This data-driven approach informs targeted sales strategies and advertisements, driving increased yields and profitability for farmers.

Lastly, a company explores the integration of soybean cultivation into other cropping systems. By evaluating soybean profitability compared to other crops and analyzing trial data on soybean yields and input requirements, they evaluate the economic feasibility of soybean production. Additionally, trial results provide insights into optimal planting timing, allowing for the refinement of crop management practices and maximization of returns from soybean cultivation.

Regarding Product Development and Innovation, the trial results provide valuable insights into the performance of different soybean varieties, agronomic practices, and crop management techniques across diverse conditions. With this data, companies can tailor new soybean products to meet specific market needs and environmental conditions, prioritizing varieties or practices that consistently yield superior results in the trials.

Moreover, the trial results are a foundational tool for Educational Programs and Extension Services. Companies can utilize this data to educate their customers, including farmers and agronomists, on best practices for soybean cultivation. By organizing field days, workshops, and online training sessions, companies can share trial findings and provide practical guidance on implementation. This strengthens customer relationships and establishes the company as a trusted advisor in the industry.

In essence, leveraging SMART Farm trial results enables companies to address specific customer needs, whether optimizing input usage, recommending effective products, or diversifying revenue streams. Ultimately, this strategic application drives business growth and enhances sustainability in agriculture.

WHAT BUNDLES HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED?

BUNDLE RECOMMENDED PER TRIAL

North

Outside Africa East

BUNDLE RECOMMENDED PER TRIAL

West South

BUNDLE RECOMMENDED PER TRIAL

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2022-2023 SMART FARM TRIALS

The Crucial Role of High-Quality Seeds for Soybean Production SEEDING SUCCESS

In modern agriculture, high-quality certified seeds lay the foundation for robust crop yields, disease tolerance, and overall agricultural sustainability. The importance of seed quality was demonstrated in SMART Farm omission trials during the 2022-2023 season.

During the trials, low stand counts (~ recorded 21 days after planting) signaled challenges with seed quality. Low seed quality was associated with reduced germination rates, weaker plant vigor, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. These factors collectively compromised the potential yield, impacting the overall outcomes of the trials.

Average plant stand count achieved and expected at North, East, West, and South Africa regions where the SMART Farm trials were conducted in the 2022-2023 season.

This highlights the importance of investing in high-quality certified seeds. Such seeds contribute to plant establishment in the field and provide early and uniform stands that give seedlings an advantage against environmental stresses. Moreover, it emphasizes the necessity for stringent quality control measures throughout the seed production and distribution chain to safeguard against compromised seed quality.

SMART QC

SEED QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM

Enhancing Soybean Industry in Zambia

YIELD

= HIGH QUALITY

SEEDS

ROBUST CROP DEVELOPMENT + RESILIENCE TO BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC STRESSES

SMARTQC

GENETIC PURITY

CERTIFIEDSEEDS <<HIGHQUALITYSEEDS>>

PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITY

PHYSICAL PURITY

PHYTOSANITARY QUALITY

(germination+vigor) (cleanness) (seed health)

UNIFORMITY & CONSISTENCY MORE

FOR A SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTIVITY AND MARKET COMPETITIVENESS

The SMART QC project aims to support the soybean seed industry in Zambia by supporting a comprehensive seed quality control program. By identifying and rectifying gaps in the seed production process, the project endeavors to support the production of quality soybean seeds available in the market, ultimately benefiting farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

SEED QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM GAP IDENTIFICATION PROCESS ENHANCEMENT VALUE ADDITION

Conduct thorough assessments of seed production processes within soybean seed companies to identify areas of improvement and potential gaps affecting seed quality.

Develop tailored solutions to address the identified gaps, focusing on enhancing internal quality control mechanisms for seed production within seed companies.

Marli Favoretto SeedQualityProgramManager marlimgf@illinoisedu

Implement strategies to add value to certified soybean seeds, thereby reducing reliance on saved grains used as seeds among farmers and encouraging wider adoption of certified seeds.

Soybean Rust in the Spotlight: Insights from SMART Farm Trials in Malawi and

Zambia

In the 2022-2023 season of the SMART Farm trials, the impact of soybean rust was keenly observed, particularly in regions like Malawi and Zambia. Soybean rust is a windborne, fungal pathogen that can lead to over 70% yield loss in soybean fields. Most soybean varieties planted by farmers in SSA confer little to no resistance to the disease, so once established, it proliferates quickly.

The above-average rainfall experienced during the season provided optimal conditions for the fungus to spread. Recent findings from a survey encompassing over 1,000 farming households indicate that soybean rust affected 55% and 39% of farmers in Zambia and Malawi, respectively, during the 2022–2023 season.

During the SMART Farm omission trials, the impact of soybean rust was observed through visual inspections. Infected plants exhibited characteristic symptoms, including yellowing and premature defoliation, ultimately losing yield. The severity of the disease varied depending on factors such as weather conditions, soybean varieties, and management practices.

Results from the 2022-2023 fungicide trial in Kasungo, Malawi, underscore the importance of proactive measures such as early planting and timely fungicide application in controlling soybean rust. Despite the disease’s occurrence late in soybean development, treatments with two or more fungicide applications yielded the highest results in the trial. This indicates that fungicide applications control soybean rust and protect plants from other fungal infections, resulting in significant yield and gross margin increases. With a cost of $8.40 USD per application, fungicides were a cost-effective method for sustaining soybean yields, even without rust.

Close up of a leaf with rust spots

A soybean field with rust

The SMART Farm’s experience with soybean rust highlights the importance of integrated disease management approaches. By combining cultural practices, fungicide applications, and tolerant varieties, farmers can minimize the impact of soybean rust and safeguard their yields, contributing to enhanced food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

“The group has helped me in identifying soybean diseases and pests and also different management practices ”

Scholastica Mtukuso

Advertise Anti-rust alliance

WHATSAPP GROUP

Importance of Early Planting for Soybean Production

Planting soybeans early in the season is crucial for maximizing soybean production. Early planting allows soybeans to take advantage of optimal growing conditions that promote vigorous growth and plant development. Generally, delayed planting can lead to reduced yields due to shorter growing seasons and increased pest and disease pressure. Additionally, planting early can help soybeans avoid stress from adverse weather conditions later in the growing season, such as drought or high temperatures.

Observations from the SMART Farm revealed that trials planted late resulted in smaller plants and lower yields than early ones. This highlights the importance of timely planting for maximizing soybean production and underscores the need to consider day-length adaptation when selecting soybean varieties for planting. Early planting combined with the appropriate maturity group selection can help farmers achieve higher yields and profits.

Average plant height at R1 (first flower) and R8 (full pod maturity) developmental stages and average yield for the same variety planted in two different locations at the recommended planting window and one month later.

The lessons gained from the SMART Farm omission trials highlight the role of seed quality and good agronomic practices, such as pest and disease management and early planting, in agricultural productivity and sustainability. By prioritizing high-quality seeds and employing accurate field management, farmers can enhance yields, effectively manage risks, and promote sustainable farming practices for the future.

Real time reports of soybean rust occurrence in Africa. The red dots represent recent cases of rust reports.

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As we wrap up the SMART Farm summary for 2024, it's crucial to emphasize the significant impact of ongoing learning and specialization in soybean farming. While conducting trials on the farm is invaluable, it's equally essential to deepen our understanding of soybean management through continuous education and training.

In line with this, the Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) offers a wealth of resources tailored to the needs of our partners across SSA. One such resource is the SIL University online platform, which provides free courses on essential topics, including pest and disease management, soybean cultivation techniques, and many others. These courses are designed to equip farmers, researchers, and agricultural professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to optimize soybean production in their regions.

Furthermore, our commitment to practical learning extends to resources such as the germination and emergence test videos available on the SIL YouTube channel. This resource offers practical guidance on assessing soybean seed quality and emergence, which is crucial for making informed planting decisions and ensuring successful crop establishment. Complementing this video is the Soybean Germination and Emergence Test manual, which provides detailed protocols and instructions for conducting effective tests.

We also offer materials such as the "7 Good Agronomic Practices" bulletin, a comprehensive guide outlining best practices for sustainable soybean cultivation. By following these recommendations, farmers can maximize yields while minimizing environmental impact, contributing to long-term agricultural sustainability.

In conclusion, we encourage all our partners to take advantage of the Soybean Innovation Lab's valuable resources. By investing in education and specialization, we can unlock the full potential of soybean farming, ensuring prosperity for farming communities across SSA. Remember, only by continuously learning and adapting can we truly thrive in the dynamic world of agriculture.

SMART Farms Achievements

Does the SF product address partner agronomic needs?

Are partners interested in investing money to develop their soybean strategy?

Do SF trials result in farmers receiving bundles/more hectares of soybean planted?