Glycine max
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Glycine max

سویا · Soybean · Soya · Soya-bean · Edamame

Tier 1 Difficulty: medium Water: moderate Light: full_sun Toxicity: high
Water every
7 days
0
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 2–11
Click count
432
Observations
2,249

Description

Source: leafsnap

Glycine max, commonly known as soybean, is a legume native to East Asia. This annual plant can grow up to 2 meters tall and features a taproot system. Its leaves are trifoliate, and it produces small flowers that are either white or purple. The fruit of the soybean plant is a pod containing 2-4 seeds. Soybeans are an important crop globally due to their high protein content and oil production. They are used in a variety of food products, including tofu, soy milk, and edamame. Additionally, soybeans have industrial applications, such as in the production of biodiesel. The cultivation of soybeans requires warm temperatures along with adequate rainfall or irrigation during the growing season. They can thrive in various soil types but prefer well-drained soils with high fertility. Soybean plants have been genetically modified for resistance to herbicides and pests, which has increased their yield potential. However, these genetic modifications have also raised concerns about their environmental impact and food safety. Overall, Glycine max is critically important in agriculture worldwide due to its versatility in both food production and industrial uses. However, the challenges associated with genetic modification practices necessitate careful consideration by farmers, scientists, and policymakers alike.

🌳 Although widely consumed as a protein-rich food, soybean has also been adopted for several often overlooked uses. It produces oil that is applied in products ranging from food items to biodiesel. Its proteins and isoflavones are incorporated into cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Soybean hulls are utilized as a renewable source for biocomposite materials, illustrating its potential beyond the plate. Sugars derived from it likewise provide the foundation for bioplastics, bringing a sustainable aspect to the plastics industry.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

Soybeans thrive in moderately moist soils and do best with consistent watering, ideally about twice a week. Although they are somewhat drought-resistant, they greatly benefit from rainwater during the growing season. This helps support optimal growth and maintain their delicate water balance.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
FAQ
How should I water my Soybean?

The Soybean has specific watering needs that are important to consider. Not only does it require a certain amount of water, but the way you provide that water is also crucial. If you don't water the Soybean correctly, it could potentially harm your tomatoes. The best method for watering Soybean is to directly apply the water to the soil in a slow and gentle manner. Avoid pouring all the water at once or using overhead watering. While it's important to water slowly, it's also necessary to water deeply to ensure that all the soil surrounding the Soybean is adequately moist.

What should I do if I give my soybean plant too much water or too little water?

If you've overwatered your Soybean and are worried about disease, take immediate action. The best solution is to remove the plant from its current spot and let the roots dry out a bit before replanting it in a new location with well-draining soil. If you're growing in pots, consider moving the plant to a larger pot with better drainage. On the other hand, if you've underwatered your Soybean, simply water it more frequently.

How frequently should I give water to my Soybean?

Soybean plants need a lot of water during their growing season. To meet this need, you should water them frequently from spring to summer. In the beginning, watering once or twice a week is sufficient. As the season goes on, increase the frequency, potentially needing to water twice a day or more during hot summer weather. Once the plants have finished their main growth phases, you can scale back watering to about once a week until the end of the season.

How much water does my Soybean plant need?

Soybeans are widely grown by professional and amateur gardeners, giving us a good understanding of how to care for these plants. One important aspect of their care is knowing the right amount of water they need. On average, Soybeans require about 1 - 1.5 inches of water per week, which should be evenly distributed during your weekly watering. When the weather gets hotter, you may need to increase the amount of water, but as a general guideline, providing two inches per week should be sufficient.

How can I know if I'm giving my Soybeans enough water?

Both underwatering and overwatering can cause problems for your Soybean, and they can both result in similar symptoms. This includes wilting and foliage discoloration. When the Soybean is underwatered, the leaves will initially curl and droop, and eventually, many leaves will become less vigorous. Underwatering can also lead to stunted growth and poor overall development since Soybeans require ample water for their flowers and overall growth. On the other hand, overwatering is more likely to result in diseases like rot and may cause unpleasant smells to emanate from the soil. The symptoms of underwatering will become apparent more quickly than overwatering. Additionally, if you observe excessive standing water or waterlogged soil, it is likely a sign of overwatering.

☀️ Light Full sun

Soybean prospers when exposed to unrestricted sunlight each day. This plentiful light supports its healthy growth. Originally coming from areas with abundant sun, every stage of the soybean's development benefits from ample light. Excessive sun does not harm it, but inadequate light can impede growth and productivity.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for soybeans?

Soybeans require full sun, meaning they thrive best with more than 6 hours of sunlight daily. They can also tolerate partial sun, which equates to about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's essential to observe the way sunlight moves through your garden to ensure plants receive the ideal balance of light and shade, thus promoting their health and happiness.

How essential is sunlight for soybean growth?

Sunlight is critically essential for soybean growth, with the plant benefitting from unrestrained exposure daily. Originating from regions abundant in sunlight, soybeans utilize ample light at every growth stage for healthy development. While excessive sunlight doesn't pose a risk, insufficient light can significantly hinder growth and productivity.

What should I do if natural sunlight is insufficient for my indoor soybean plants?

When natural sunlight is inadequate, especially during winter or in spaces with less sun, artificial lighting becomes crucial for indoor soybeans' growth. Optimal growth is achieved through LED lights, which can provide specific light wavelengths. Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants require 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. Light sources should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, mimicking natural sunlight for 8-12 hours per day.

What are the light deficiency symptoms for indoor soybean plants?

Indoor soybean plants with insufficient light may display symptoms such as smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or halted growth, lighter-colored new leaves, and signs of chlorosis. Excessive sunlight exposure can lead to sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These symptoms indicate a need for light adjustments to ensure plant health.

How can I rectify light deficiency issues for my soybean plants?

To rectify light deficiency in soybeans, gradually move indoor plants to sunnier locations to attain at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, utilizing a south-facing window for maximum exposure. For plants that are large or not easily movable, use artificial light sources for at least 8 hours a day. Outdoors, gradually acclimate plants to brighter conditions to prevent sunburn, while ensuring the new growth after increasing light will be healthy. Alternatively, reduce obstructions or transplant smaller plants to areas with ample sunlight and good drainage, particularly during their dormant period in late winter or early spring.

🌡️ Temperature 0–37.8°C

Soybean naturally occurs in environments with temperatures ranging from 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). This range of temperatures supports its growth. Seasonal changes may necessitate moving it to warmer areas during cold weather.

Ideal temperature: 0–37.8°C
FAQ
What is the ideal temperature range for growing soybeans?

Soybeans thrive in environments where temperatures range between 68 to 100°F (20 to 38°C). This warmth is crucial for their growth, and during the winter, it's beneficial to maintain temperatures above 20°C. To prevent freezing damage, the minimum temperature should be kept above the freezing point, particularly when outdoor temperatures approach -5°C (25°F). In such cold conditions, it is advisable to bring soybeans indoors or offer protection through measures like temporary greenhouses or wrapping the plant with plastic film or fabric.

How do soybeans react to low temperatures, and what can be done?

Soybeans have moderate tolerance to low temperatures but perform best within 20°C to 38°C. During winter, temperatures should remain above 0°C to avoid damage. Exposure to temperatures below -40°C results in darkening leaves. In severe cases, you might observe water-soaked necrosis, wilting, and drooping, with leaf color turning to brown. To remedy frost damage, trim away affected parts, relocate the plant to a warmer indoor setting, or create a makeshift greenhouse. For indoor care, place the soybean near a south-facing window to ensure enough sunlight, or use supplemental lighting if natural light is insufficient.

What should be done if soybeans experience high temperatures?

When temperatures rise above the soybean's comfort zone of below 38°C, especially exceeding 43°C, the plant's growth might slow down, leaves can lighten in color, and the risk of sunburn increases. Addressing sunburn involves trimming the damaged parts and moving the plant to a shaded area, particularly away from the harsh afternoon sun. Additionally, watering the plant in the morning and evening helps keep the soil appropriately moist, further aiding in cooling and recovery.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

For optimal growth, soybean needs three fertilizer applications: one before planting, a second about one month after seedlings emerge, and a third 1 to 1.5 months after the second. Some soybean varieties also benefit from extra fertilizer at planting to promote rapid growth.

FAQ
Why is it important to add fertilizer to my Soybean plants?

Some plants can get all the nutrients they need naturally, without any added fertilizers. Soybean, on the other hand, benefits from fertilization because it increases the amount of harvest. Like all plants, soybean needs nutrients to support its growth and internal processes that lead to edible seeds. Nutrients help plants grow, produce flowers, perform photosynthesis, and ultimately yield seeds or fruits. If a plant lacks nutrients, it may have fewer branches, smaller seeds, and lower protein content in the end product.

When should I fertilize my Soybean for the best results?

The best time to fertilize Soybean is generally in the spring. Many types of Soybean thrive with three main fertilizer treatments during the growing season. The first treatment should be done before planting the seeds. The second treatment should be applied about a month after the seedlings emerge, followed by a final treatment about 1 to 1.5 months after the second one. Additionally, certain types of Soybean benefit from a fertilizer boost at the time of planting. Nutrients are necessary for all stages of the growth cycle. It is crucial for some types of Soybean to receive enough nutrients to reach full size quickly, as they can go from seed to harvest in as little as a month.

When is the best time to not add fertilizer to my Soybean?

To ensure the health and strength of Soybean plants, it is important to feed them regularly. However, there are certain risks associated with over-fertilization and fertilizing at the wrong time. It is best to avoid fertilizing when the soil is dry or the weather is excessively hot or cold. Additionally, take care to prevent fertilizers from coming into direct contact with seeds, as this can hinder their germination. It is also important to check whether the fertilizer is safe to be in direct contact with the plant, as contact with leaves and fruits can potentially cause damage. Some fertilizers are only safe to be used near the plants in the soil, and should not be applied over the tops of actively growing plants.

What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Soybean?

Soil tests are necessary to determine the presence or absence of nutrients in the soil, which is especially important for commercial or large-scale operations where the success or failure of a harvest has significant financial implications. Depending on the soil in your area and the type of Soybean you plan to grow, you may need to introduce different nutrients. It's crucial that the fertilizers used contain sufficient amounts of phosphorus, as well as smaller amounts of nitrogen and potassium. Additionally, secondary nutrients and micronutrients like sulfur, copper, manganese, and zinc are essential for the development of the plant and should be included.

How do I make my Soybean plant grow better?

The method of applying fertilizer depends on factors like the scale of the operation, available tools, and the type of fertilizer used. Fertilizers are generally available in liquid or dry formats. Liquid fertilizers can be chemical or natural, while dry fertilizers include compost, manure, and powdered or granular fertilizers. Some dry fertilizers need to be diluted in water before use. Once the fertilizer type and format are determined, it is important to calculate the appropriate amount for Soybean cultivation to achieve high yield without over-fertilizing. For larger operations, tractor-attached applicators can scatter dry fertilizer or evenly spray liquid fertilizer. Home gardeners can apply fertilizer by hand or with readily-available garden tools. After using any dry fertilizer, it is important to thoroughly water the soil to ensure proper absorption.

🪴 Pot & Repot

When repotting Soybean, choose a pot that’s 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger in diameter and has good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix and consider adding perlite for extra drainage. Repot in spring or early summer, water thoroughly afterward, and place it in a shady spot at first.

✂️ Pruning

Most soybean varieties only reach a maximum height of 2 feet tall and do not need pruning. If you have a tall, bushy variety, you may cut it back to prevent excessive growth.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Soybeans are not poisonous when cooked. For the most part, pets can eat small amounts of cooked soybeans so long as they don’t have any allergy to them. However, raw soybeans contain lectins and saponins that are toxic when ingested in large quantities. You may experience excessive weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual
Genus
Glycine
Family
Fabaceae
Hardiness Zone
2-11
Mature Height
0.61 m to 1.83 m
Mature Spread
30 cm to 37 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
White, Purple
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer
Native Area
Japan, China

Tags (27)

Common Names (19)

ar سویا
en Soybean
en Soya
en Soya-bean
en Edamame
en Soja bean
en Kaḍhelli
en Kedelé
en Soja
en Sojabohne
en Reseeding Soybean
en Soy
en Wild Soybean
en Soybean (German: Soyabohne)
en Soybeans
en GM Soya
hi सोआबीन
hi सोयाबीन
ru Соя