Data from: Soybean yield response to management practices (4–40 years) and soil health parameters

Context or problem: The associations among soil health, management
practices, and environmental conditions are complex, and research often
focuses on specific practices or regional contexts. This have led to
varying results regarding which soil health parameters are most
influential for soybean yield. Objective: In this study, we investigated
the effects of soil health measurements, agricultural management practices
(4 - 40 years), inherent soil properties, location-specific factors, and
soil fertility analytical results on soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) seed
yield. Methods: Soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected in 2023 from 17
agricultural research trials across the US. Soil health measurements,
inherent soil properties, and soil fertility analytical results were
assessed. Field management history and yield data were reported by the
collaborators, and publicly available weather data (precipitation and
temperature) were retrieved. Conditional inference trees were used to
identify soybean yield influential factors. Results: Soybean seed yield
was mainly driven by planting date. Trials planted before 26 May averaged
4,809 kg ha⁻¹, 55% greater yields than planting after 26 May (2,649 kg
ha⁻¹). Longitude, along with soil organic carbon (SOC), autoclaved citrate
extractable N (ACE-N), and soil test potassium (STK) were also important
factors explaining yield variability. Conclusions: Our results
demonstrated that planting date was the most critical factor driving
soybean seed yield, yet yield responses are modulated to a lesser extent
by longitude, SOC, ACE-N, and STK. Implications: To optimize soybean
yield, conservation practices should prioritize early planting and soil
health improvement. These findings can help identify soil health
parameters associated with soybean seed yield for future long-term
research.