P-120 - Comparing return on investment (ROI) of soybean disease management levels using field evaluation

Soybean (Glycine max Merr.) is a highly valuable crop in the North Central region of the U.S. but consistently faces threats from various pathogens. As a result, soybean farmers in the region have increasingly invested in disease management strategies, especially seed and foliar fungicide treatments. Various environmental conditions influence disease pressure, so different intensities of disease management are required to optimize efficacy and profitability in different agricultural settings. While high-intensity disease management can improve yield, its efficacy and profitability vary across agricultural environments. Given the narrowing profit margins in agriculture, pairing management intensities with the most suitable environments is key to maximizing profitability. The purpose of this research is to evaluate a spectrum of management intensities, ranging from non-treated plots to integrated strategies, including seed treatments and foliar fungicides, across multiple environments in the U.S. North Central region. By analyzing the resulting yields and production costs seasonally, we aim to understand the general conditions under which each management intensity level optimizes financial returns. The insights gained from this research will contribute to the development of more efficient disease management practices and provide actionable data for soybean farmers in diverse environments.