Prairie Drifter

Many thanks for your quick response. I have suspected for several years a direct correlation exists between the local quail declines after crop rotation in which soybean were planted. I am attempting to gather enough scientific data; so that I can present research evidence of these potential effects on bobwhite populations. Although I am not a Biologist, I have observed rapid declines in the years after Soybean Crops where planted on Federal Lands. At work we have several Agriculture Leases in which the AG contract lists soybeans as one of the crops of choice. I am hoping to obtain enough data that shows soybeans do not benefit quail populations and potentially could be attributing to its continued decline in our area.
Again Thanks. Gunner

If you want copies of what I have in the file, let me know and get me your mailing info. I'll go through the files and see if I can put this information in your hands.

Okie, there are two problems with soybeans. First, as you already indicated, there is a protein in soybeans that prevents quail from digesting food. Much of the work on this discovery was done by Dr. Robel at KSU. Second, there is also a fungal toxin called T2 that can kill quail outright. Add into that the limited cover left post harvest, the fact much of the current soybean crops are roundup ready, meaning no weeds to add diversity, and you get a pretty unfavorable outlook anywhere soybeans are grown in large quantities. I have a lot of this research on file at the office. You might google Dr. Robert Robel and see what pops up.

Maynard told me that you may know where I can find some reference material concerning the relationship of the Quail Decline and soybean croplands. In that certain protiens in soybeans cannot be digested by quail. Can you point me in the right direction. Thanks Gunner