The Ministry and Academy-level autumn grain production science and technology service team conducted a field survey and guidance mission — on summer soybean production in the northern regions of East China's Jiangsu province — on Aug 26-27. They did it jointly with the soybean industry expert group of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and researcher Yao Shuihong, from the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning (IARRP). The initiative was part of a 100-day campaign to enhance field management, combat disasters, and to secure the autumn grain harvest. The team aimed to diagnose and address issues during the critical growth period of soybeans — leveraging technology to boost large-scale soybean yields.

The science and technology service team went deep into the fields to inspect seedling conditions, soil moisture, and pest and disease situations. Currently, summer soybeans in northern Jiangsu are in the flowering and pod-setting stage — a crucial window for yield formation. In response to recent weather conditions characterized by high temperatures and frequent rain — leading to rapid transitions between drought and waterlogging — the expert group offered four key technical recommendations.

Prompt Drainage to Prevent Waterlogging: In low-lying areas with water accumulation, it is regarded as essential to immediately clear ditches and improve drainage systems to rapidly reduce waterlogging and moisture, preventing root oxygen deficiency and root rot. After rain, timely cultivation and soil loosening can enhance soil aeration and promote root recovery.

Fertilization to Aid Recovery Based on Seedling Conditions: After waterlogging, root absorption capacity is reduced. It is advisable to apply 3-5 kilograms of urea per mu in fields with nutrient deficiency, combined with cultivation or rainfall. Additionally, foliar fertilizers such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate and amino acids should be sprayed in a "small amount, multiple times, in a low concentration" manner to enhance stress resistance and prevent premature aging later.

Strengthening Pest and Disease Control: High temperatures and humidity can easily trigger soil-borne diseases such as root rot and Phytophthora root rot, as well as pests like beet armyworms and cotton bollworms. Suitable agents such as metalaxyl-mancozeb and kasugamycin can be used for control. High humidity after rain exacerbates snail damage, so monitoring should be intensified. In the early morning or evening, apply metaldehyde granules or spray molluscicides at the plant base, avoiding high-temperature periods to prevent phytotoxicity.

Classified Management to Control Excessive Growth: In fields with sufficient rainfall and excessive growth, apply growth regulators like uniconazole or paclobutrazol to control excessive growth and prevent lodging. Additionally, remove ineffective branches to improve ventilation and light conditions, ensuring normal flower and pod development and laying a solid foundation for high yields.