Jarrod Miller, Extension Educator, Somerset County
A few weeks ago we posted some photos of hail damage to corn and soybean fields in Somerset County. We noted that soybeans will recover as long as they aren’t damaged below the cotyledons. As you can see from the side by side photos, the soybeans look pretty well considering the beating they took. The photos aren’t in the exact same spot, but regrowth has definitely occurred across the field. These soybeans showed some interveinal chlorosis, which may indicate a Mn deficiency. This is a sandy soil that had a pH close to 7 two years ago, so it may not be related to hail damage. If in doubt you should always take tissue and soil tests.
Not too far away in an adjacent field, the soybean stands were a little taller with a better stand count. The photo below shows that while soybeans may have recovered (top), a portion of the field that may have been untouched by hail (bottom) has a better stand count and better growth. Whether this turns into a yield difference remains to be seen. Still, you can see the resilience and strength of a young soybean following what appeared to be catastrophic damage.
