What is a potential impact of excess water on soybean crops?

Excess water can significantly affect soybean crops, particularly through the phenomenon known as "damping off." This condition occurs when seedlings are exposed to overly saturated soil conditions, creating an environment conducive to the growth of fungi and pathogens that attack young plants. The pathogens thrive in waterlogged soils, leading to rot and decay of the seedlings’ roots, which can result in poor germination rates and uneven stands.

While increased flowering is generally associated with optimal growing conditions rather than excess water, and bacterial blight may become more prevalent under certain environmental stresses, they are not directly caused by excess moisture in the same way damping off is. Enhanced nutrient absorption is also not an effect of excess water; in fact, imbalanced moisture can lead to nutrient leaching and deficiencies as well. Thus, the primary impact of excess water on soybean crops is indeed the risk of reduced stands from damping off, making this the most appropriate choice.