Future of Soybeans Explored by Illinois Grad Students at ISA Soybean Summit

By Andi Anderson

Illinois graduate students took center stage at the Illinois Soybean Association's recent Soybean Summit, presenting innovative research in the second annual Student Research Poster Competition. Thirteen students from various universities across the state captivated farmers and agricultural professionals with their diverse projects on soybean-related topics.

Heidi Allen Asensio, a PhD student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, secured the first-place position with her study on sustainable soybeans. Second place went to Danillo Leite, a PhD student at Southern Illinois University, for his research on stem diseases in soybeans. The third-place honor was claimed by Darby Danzl, an MS student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, for her work on managing decomposition of cereal rye residues in no-till soybeans.

The competition covered a broad spectrum of soybean-related research, including nitrogen management in winter wheat double crops, the impact of crop rotations on productivity and sustainability, and the identification of prevalent pathogens causing stem diseases in soybeans.

Students engaged with attendees, sharing insights and fielding questions about their research. Darby Danzl expressed the unique opportunity the event provided to connect with farmers: "Typically, the scientific conferences I present posters at do not have any farmers in attendance, so the Soybean Summit provided a unique opportunity for me to share our findings with them."

The Illinois Soybean Association's commitment to supporting students pursuing agricultural careers was evident through the event. ISA Research Agronomist Jennifer Jones highlighted the win-win situation for both farmers and students, emphasizing the influence of emerging science on future farming operations.

Interested graduate students are invited to participate in future Soybean Summit events. For more details on the Student Research Poster Competition and a comprehensive view of soybean research supported by ISA, visit https://www.ilsoyadvisor.com/student-agronomy-research-projects/. Uncover the possibilities that these research endeavors hold for the future of soybeans and sustainable agriculture.

Photo Credit: illinois-soybean-association