Soybean Seed Treatment Cost Study

By Scout Nelson

A 14-state research study and multiple on farm trials across the Midwest have provided new insights into soybean seed treatment use and cost savings. The findings suggest that routine use of seed treatments may not always increase yield and can often be adjusted based on field risk and planting conditions.

Research based on 194 randomized field trials found that adding neonicotinoid insecticide seed treatments to fungicide treated seeds resulted in only a small average yield increase of about 1.9 bushels per acre. In most cases, this yield gain was not enough to recover the cost of treatment.

In Nebraska on farm trials conducted between 2023 and 2025 across 11 site years, only one location showed a yield advantage from full chemical seed treatment compared to biological or untreated seed. This suggests that many fields may not require insecticide or full chemical seed treatment unless specific pest pressure exists.

Chemical insecticide seed treatments may still be useful in fields with known pest issues such as seedcorn maggot, wireworm, or early bean leaf beetle risk, especially when planting early into residue in heavy conditions. Fungicide seed treatments are more beneficial in cool, wet soils or fields with a history of seedling diseases such as Pythium or Phytophthora.

Some fields with sudden death syndrome history may benefit from targeted treatments like fluopyram or pydiflumetofen based products. However, in fields without disease pressure or resistant varieties, these treatments may not be necessary.

Seeding rate adjustment is also a major cost saving strategy. Research from Wisconsin and Nebraska shows that soybean yields remain strong even at reduced populations, often between 94,000 and 120,000 seeds per acre. Lower seeding rates reduce both seed and treatment costs without significantly affecting yield in many environments.

Overall findings recommend using seed treatments selectively rather than routinely. Producers are encouraged to match inputs with field risk, soil conditions, and planting timing to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenses.

This research highlights the importance of data driven decisions in soybean production and encourages more cost-effective and sustainable farming practices through careful input management and farm testing.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski