becks timing

Application Timing Study

Beck’s Practical Farm Research® (PFR) evaluated Green Lightning across four soybean application timings: Pre-Emergent, Dual Dribble, V4, and R3.

 

Key Findings

  • Yield gains ranged from 54 to 141 kg/ha depending on timing.
  • The R3 foliar application delivered the strongest response:
    • +141 kg/ha and +$78/ha ROI.

All timings were profitable, but R3 was the most consistent across states and conditions. Early-season applications (Pre-Emergent and Dual Dribble) showed value where nutrient availability and mineralisation responses were strong. Green Lightning’s low pH and reactive nitrogen/oxygen species contributed to improved uptake and early growth performance.

Potential of Multi-Pass Programs

When the four timings are viewed together, the standalone yield increases total +336 kg/ha. This is a speculative indication of the possible upside when all four applications are applied. This equates to a potential value of ~$195/ha.


Economics on Broadacre Scale

Using U.S. PFR data converted to AUD:
  • A single R3 pass across 1,000 ha delivers ~$78,170 in gross benefit.
  • Multi-pass programs combined with high-output systems (e.g., Fill Station 30) show multi-year break-even potential with significantly higher long-term upside.


Why R3 Performs Best

The R3 growth stage is where plants maximise nutrient uptake for pod fill. Green Lightning’s mode of action—reactive nitrogen species, reactive oxygen species, and low pH—aligns closely with this demand, improving nutrient absorption and biological activity at the leaf surface.

Summary

Green Lightning consistently improves soybean performance, with the R3 foliar timing delivering the most reliable return on investment across environments. Early-season applications still add value, but R3 remains the strongest single pass for growers seeking predictable gains.

Join our mailing list to access the full report.