Soybean planting is well underway in Kansas with 43% planted, based on the USDA-NASS Crop Progress and Condition Report from May 19, 2024. However, heavy rainfall has occurred in many locations across the eastern half of Kansas, with some fields underwater and others with completely saturated soil. If you have been fortunate to get some early soybeans planted here are things to remember.

Wet soil conditions will slow emergence, make the soil more susceptible to compaction (limiting root growth), and cause poor plant-to-plant uniformity after emergence.

Sidewall compaction occurs when soybeans are planted when the soil is too wet, immediately followed by dry weather.

Soil surface crusting is another potential challenge for soybean emergence.

If soybean plants are submerged for less than 48 hours, there is a good chance they will survive. Plants can survive underwater longer in cool temperatures than in warm temperatures. Submerged soybean plants can survive for up to 7 days when temperatures are less than 80 degrees F.

To determine whether the soybeans are damaged after the water recedes, split the stem at the tip and examine the growing point. A healthy growing point will be firm and white or cream-colored. A soft, dark growing point indicates injury. In some cases, the silt coating the plant after short-term flooding can cause more injury than the water itself, possibly even plant death.

Even if the fields do not have standing water, and plants are not totally submerged, waterlogged soils can cause problems if the waterlogging lasts too long.

When soils are saturated for a prolonged period, a lack of oxygen in the roots can lead to the accumulation of lactic acid and other products of anaerobic respiration. This is the underlying cause of damage to plants in waterlogged soils where only the roots are flooded.

Injury can depend on variety, growth stage, duration of waterlogging, soil texture, fertility levels, and diseases present.

Interactions of these factors make it hard to predict how a given soybean field will react to waterlogged soils. Variety differences have been reported, and researchers have identified possible genes associated with tolerance to waterlogged conditions.

Scientists in Missouri have screened a number of soybean varieties, subjecting them to two periods of flooding, each two weeks in duration. The average yield reduction for all varieties was 61%. Yields were reduced by 39% for the most tolerant varieties and 77% for the least tolerant. Producers should check with their seed supplier regarding information about a particular variety.

As always if you are noticing issues in your fields feel free to contact me through your local K-State Extension Office to set up a consultation and field visit to asses and try and alleviate the problem.

If needed, I will work with you to send photos of the problem (close-up, seedling, field shot) and plant samples to the K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab.

Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720

Tina Sullivan, Northeast Area Agronomist
[email protected]

Rodrigo Onofre, Plant Pathology
[email protected]

Chandler Day, Associate Diagnostician, Plant Pathology
[email protected]

Do you have to clear a spot just to sit down? Always searching for lost items? Tired of being the family’s go-to picker-upper? You’re not alone. Clutter creeps in from every corner of the home—but the good news is, you can take control.

Getting Started
Set aside a few days for big cleanups. In each room, start in one spot and move clockwise. Use boxes to sort items into: Keep, Store, Give Away/Sell, and Throw Away.

• Keep Box
  Put items back where they belong. Group similar things and create ‘centers’ for tasks like cooking, cleaning, or hobbies.
• Storage Box
  Label items clearly, including names and seasons (e.g., “Sarah’s Winter Clothes”). Use vacuum bags to save space.
• Give Away/Sell Box
  Donate gently used items to charities (call first). Sell items online or at consignment shops.
• Throw Away Box
  Toss anything broken, worn, or stained. Use a trash bag or can, and consider a trip to the landfill or recycling center if needed.
• Remember the One Touch Rule
  Touch things once—like mail. Sort immediately into pay, file, or trash to avoid clutter buildup.

Closet Organization Tips

• Declutter: Turn hangers backward. Flip them after wearing an item. After a few months, donate or store what you haven’t worn. Things to toss now:  Anything with a stain, hole, or tear; worn-out purses and shoes; outdated clothing or accessories; ratty weekend clothes; clothing that does not fit.
• Space Matters: Leave 2–3 inches between clothes to prevent odor, mold, and pests.
• Smart Choices: Pick mix-and-match clothing in a consistent color scheme. Dark, solid bottoms and classic pieces save space and money.
• Hang It Up: Use hooks, shelves, baskets, and hangers to keep everything visible and off the floor.
• Creative Storage: Try clear bins, vertical folding, and DIY solutions like shower curtain rings for accessories.
• Use All Space: Store out-of-season clothes under beds, in other closets, or above doors. Measure your space before buying storage systems.

Tips to Maintain a Clutter Free Home

• Everyone needs to do a little bit every day.
• It is everyone’s job to keep items picked up and put away.
• Tasks need to be appropriate for age and abilities.
• Share your ideas and expectations of what is expected and acceptable.

This article was adapted from the fact sheet Cut the Clutter and Get Organized.  For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826.

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service