Crops: CROP SCENE INVESTIGATION 19 – What caused Roger’s aphid infestation? – Solved

by SHAWN BRENNEMAN

Soybean aphids are attracted to fields under stress. A soil test confirmed my hypothesis – that the soybean plants on the knoll of Roger’s field were stressed by a potassium deficiency.

Potassium-deficient soil can significantly reduce soybean yield and quality. On the flip side, potassium-rich soil can increase plant resistance to pests and diseases.   

Research in recent years has confirmed a link between potassium-deficient plants and soybean aphids, insects that thrive by sucking valuable nutrients from soybean plants.

Better Farming - JuneJuly 2009