From Sowing to Harvest: Soybean Crop Cultivation Tips

Soybeans, known as Golden Beans and with the scientific name of soybean being Glycin max, are vital in global agriculture for their versatility and economic value. Soybean is Rabi or Kharif season crop that adapts well to diverse climates. Soybean agriculture involves the cultivation and management of soybean crops for economic and nutritional purposes. In 2023, soybean production in India reached 13.98 million metric tonnes over 12.07 million hectares, with Madhya Pradesh leading at 48.87 lakh tonnes (43.53%) and Maharashtra at 48 lakh tonnes (42.98%). The country exported 4.8 lakh tonnes of soybean byproducts, highlighting their global trade importance. Soybeans enrich soil health through nitrogen fixation, supporting food security and sustainable agriculture.

Required Climatic conditions

• Soybeans can thrive in varied climates but requires dry weather for proper ripening.
• Soil temperatures above 15°C are necessary for good germination, with optimal growth occurring between 26-30°C.
• Soybeans are moderately drought-tolerant, though high moisture is crucial during germination, flowering, and pod-forming stages, which span 3-4 months.

Soil Requirement 

• Soybeans thrive best in medium to heavy loam soils that have excellent water holding capacity.
• The ideal pH range for soybean cultivation in India is between 6.0 and 7.5, ensuring optimal nutrient uptake and growth.

Land Preparation 

• Plough the land 1 or 2 times based on soil type.
• Mix 2 tons of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and 3 kg of composting bacteria in the field. Allow the mixture to decompose in open air for 10 days for proper breakdown.
• Spread the decomposed mixture evenly over the soil surface.
• Use a rotavator to incorporate the mixture into the soil, ensuring a fine tilth.
• This process prepares the land effectively for planting, enhancing soil fertility and structure.

Sowing 

• Sowing time for soybeans is recommended during the first week of June.
• Dibble the seeds at a depth of 4 cm along the furrow for optimal germination.
• Plant 2 seeds per hole to account for potential low germination rates, especially with certain varieties.

Seed rate

The recommended Soybean planting rate or seed rate for soybeans is 25-30 kilograms per acre.

Variety

Below varieties are selected based on their adaptability to local climatic conditions, resistance to diseases, and overall yield performance. 

S.No.	Soybean producing states in India	Suitable Varieties (Types of soybeans)
1	Madhya Pradesh	Ahilya 1 (NRC 2), Ahilya 3 (NRC 7), Ahilya 2 (NRC 12), Ahilya 4 (NRC 37), JS 71-05, JS 335, JS 80-21, JS 75-46, MACS 58, JS 90-41, Indira Soy 9, JS 93-05, Kalitur, Parbhani Sona (MAUS 47), Pratishta (MAUS 61-2),Monetta, Punjab-1, PK 472 and Shakti (MAUS 81)
2	Vidharbha and Marathwada region of Maharashtra	Ahilya 1 (NRC 2), JS 335, JS 93-05, JS 80-21, MACS 58, Parbhani Sona (MAUS 47), Pratishta (MAUS 61-2), Shakti (MAUS 81), MACS 13, Monetta, Prasad (MAUS 32) PK 472, Shakti (MAUS 81), TAMS-38 and Phule Kalyani (DS-228)
3	Southern Maharashtra	MACS 124, MACS 450, Pant Soybean 1029, Pooja (MAUS 2), Pratikar (MAUS 61), Prasad (MAUS 32), MACS 13, Monetta and Phule Kalyani (DS-228)
4	Rajasthan	Pratap Soya (RAUS), Bragg, Punjab-1, PK 472, MACS 58, JS 80-21, JS 335, Ahilya 4 (NRC 37), Parbhani Sona (MAUS 47), JS 93-05, Pratishta (MAUS 61-2) and Shakti (MAUS 81)
5	Karnataka	Hardee, Bragg, Sneh (KB 79), KHSb-2, Pratikar (MAUS 61), Pant Soybean 1029, MACS 124, MACS 450 and Pooja (MAUS 2))
6	Andhra Pradesh	LSb-1, Pratikar (MAUS 61), Pooja (MAUS 2), MACS 450, Pant Soybean 1029, MACS 124, Monetta and Bragg
7	Uttar Pradesh	Pusa 16, Pant Soybean 1092, Pant Soybean 1042, Pant Soybean 1024, Pant soybean 564, PK 472, PK 472, PK 416, Pratishta (MAUS 61-2), JS 93-05, Ahilya 4 (NRC 37), JS 335, SL 525, PS 1241, PK 262 and PK 327
8	Bihar	PK 416, Pusa 16, Pusa, 24, Pant Soybean 564, Pant Soybean 1024, Pant Soybean 1042, Bragg and SL 525
9	Chhattisgarh	Ahilya 1 (NRC 2), Ahilya 3 (NRC 7), Ahilya 2 (NRC 12), Ahilya 4 (NRC 37), JS 71-05, JS 335, JS 80-21, JS 75-46, MACS 58, JS 9041, Indira Soya 9, JS 93-05, Kalitur, Parbhani Sona (MACS 47), Pratishta (MAUS 61-2), Monetta, Punjab-1, PK 472, Shakti (MAUS 81), Samrudhi (MAUS 71) and Pratap Soya (RAUS 5)

Seed treatment

Seed treatment is crucial for soybeans due to the numerous fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases that can significantly reduce plant populations and yield. Therefore, Soybean farmers are recommended to treat soybean seeds at sowing time with premixed fungicides such as Swal Cascade (Azoxystrobin 2.5% + Thiophanate Methyl 11.25% + Thiamethoxam 25% FS) 10 ml/kg of seed or Bavistin (Carbendazim 50% WP) 3g/kg of seed, or Trichoderma viride at 8-10 g/kg of seed.

In regions where Yellow Mosaic Virus and Stem Fly consistently impact soybean crops, it is advised that Soybean farmers perform seed treatment using a recommended insecticide. Options include Thiamethoxam 30 FS  10 ml / kg seed or Imidacloprid 48 FS 1.25 ml / kg seed.

Soybean Spacing 

• Create ridges and furrows 45 cm apart using a tractor or manual labor.
• Maintain a row spacing of 45 cm.
• Ensure a distance of 5-7 cm between individual plants within each row.

Nutrient management 

Soybean requires a moderate amount of nutrients to thrive. For better yield performance, it is important to apply balanced nutrients. This can be done by incorporating Farm Yard Manure (5-10 t/ha), compost (5 t/ha), or poultry manure (2.5 t/ha) with a basal application of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash, and Sulphur as per below table.

Zone	Recommended FertilizerDose (NPKS kg/ha)	Fertilizer Sources (kg/ha)
Central	25:60:40:20	56 kg Urea + 375 kg SSP + 67 kg MoP
Southern	25:80:20:30	56 kg Urea + 500 kg SSP + 34 kg MoP
North Plain	25:75:25:37.5	56 kg Urea + 470 kg SSP + 42 kg MoP
North Eastern Hill	25:100:50:50	56 kg Urea + 625 kg SSP + 84 kg MoP
Eastern	25:100:50:50	56 kg Urea + 625 kg SSP + 84 kg MoP

Irrigation management 

• Irrigate immediately after sowing.
• Provide life irrigation on the 3rd day after sowing.
• Schedule further irrigations every 7-10 days during the summer and every 10-15 days during the winter, based on soil and weather conditions.
• Avoid excess moisture as soybean is highly sensitive and water stagnation can damage the crop.
• Ensure the crop does not experience water stress from flowering to maturity.

Intercultural operations 

• Weed competition is critical for soybean from 45 to 60 days after sowing (DAS).
• Effective weed management during this period is essential.
• Two rounds of hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS are recommended.
• Intercultural operations using tools like hand hoes, doras, or kulpa with bullock-drawn or tractor-drawn implements are beneficial.
• Spray FMC Authoriy NXT Herbicide 500 gm/Acre Within 48 hrs after sowing and BASF Odyssey 40 gm /acre or Adama Shaked 800 ml/Acre 20 days after spray.  

Crop Protection

Crop protection includes pest and disease management. Below are the pests and diseases that affect soybean crops.

Pest Management

The following pests are harmful to soybean farming and directly affect the yield of the soybean crop.

Whitefly

Whitefly cause damage to leaves by sucking the cell sap. Due to this sticky substance secreted on the leaves and leaves appear black coloured.  Causes Yellowing, inward curling and drying of leaves.

Cultural Control: Install yellow sticky traps @ 10 per acre

Organic control:  Spray Azadirachtin or Neem oil @ 2 ml per lit water

Chemical control: Spray Acetamiprid 20% SP – 0.5 gm or  Imidacloprid 17.8% SL – 0.5 ml per liter water

Thrips

Thrips cause damage to leaves by sucking the cell sap. Due to this sticky substance secreted on the leaves and leaves appear black colored.  The infected leaf turns whitish-brown in color. In severe condition defoliation occurs

Cultural Control : Install Blue sticky traps @ 10 per acre and Uproot the diseased plants and destroy them

Organic control : Spray Azadirachtin or Neem oil  @ 2 ml per lit water

Chemical control : Spray Thiamethoxam 25% WG – 0.5 gm Dimethoate 30% EC 2 ml  per liter water

Aphids

Aphids cause damage to leaves by sucking the cell sap. Large number of Aphids seen underside of the leaves. Extensive feeding causes plants to turn yellow and the leaves to curl downward and inward from the edges. Stunted growth of the plant Reduced pod and seed count.

Cultural Control : Install yellow sticky traps @ 10 per acre

Organic control : Spray Azadirachtin or Neem oil @ 2 ml per lit water

Chemical control : Spray Acetamiprid 20% SP – 0.5 gm or  Imidacloprid 17.8% SL – 0.5 ml per liter 

Pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera)

Young larvae feed on leaves. Early stage larvae feed on the leaves and defoliate the plant. In later stages feed on flowers and pods. Their feeding results in a hole in the pod. 

Organic control : Install pheromone traps (Helilure) @ 5 unit per acre (In July). Spray Bacillus thuringiensis @ 2 ml per liter water

Chemical control : Spray Flubendiamide 20% WDG – 0.5 gm OR Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC – 0.4 ml OR Emamectin benzoate 5% SG – 0.5 gm per liter water

Cutworm (Spodoptera litura)

Young larva scrap leaves on upper surface. Leaves become white papery from the tip side. Larva also damage flowers

Organic control : Install Light traps @ 1 per acre.  

Chemical control : Spray Chlorpyriphos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC – 2 ml OR Emamectin benzoate 5% SG – 0.5 gm per liter water

Girdle beetle

Larvae prepare tunnel inside the stem and feed inside. Leaves of the infected stem dried. In later stages larva cut the plant near to ground level.

Cultural Control : Deep summer ploughing. Intercropping with Maize should be avoided.

Chemical control : Spray Quinalphos 25% EC 2 ml OR Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC – 0.4 ml OR Acetamiprid + Bifenthrin 25% WG 0.5 gm per liter water

Stem fly

Eggs are laid on the leaves and after hatching larva bore the nearest vein of the leaf. Then larva reach the stem and bore inside.

Cultural Control : Deep summer ploughing. Remove and destroy infected plant parts.

Chemical control : Spray Quinalphos 25% EC 2 ml OR Dimethoate 30% EC – 2 ml per liter water

Disease Management 

The following disease are harmful to soybean farming and directly affect the yield of the soybean crop.

Leaf spot  – Alternaria / Cercospora

Symptoms: Seed become small and shriveled.  Dark, irregular, spreading sunken areas occur on the seed. Appearance of brown, necrotic spots with concentric rings on foliage, which coalesce and form large necrotic areas. Infected leaves later in the season dry out and drop.

Chemical Control: 

Seed treatment with Carbendazim 50% WP @ 3g/kg seed.

Spray Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP or Copper Oxychloride 50% WP at 2.5g/liter

Anthracnose/pod blight: Colletotrichum truncatum

Symptoms:

Infected seeds become shriveled, mouldy and brown. In early stage, irregular brown spots appear on leaves, stems and pods. In advanced stages, the infected tissues are covered with black fruiting bodies of the fungus. At severe, Veinal necrosis, leaf rolling, cankers on petioles premature defoliation

Chemical Control:

Seed treatment with Carbendazim 50% WP @ 3g/kg seed  and Use Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP @ 2 gm/liter as spray or  Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP 2.5 gm/Liter spray.

Charcoal rot/dry root rot: Macrophomina phaseolina

Symptoms:

It is a most common basal stem and root disease of the soybean plant. Lower leaves become chlorotic and wilting and drying. The diseased tissues generally develop grayish  discolouration. The sclerotia look like black powdery mass Blacking and cracking of roots.

Chemical Control: 

Seed treatment Swal Cascade 10 ml/kg of seed.

Spot drenching – Carbendazim 50% WP 2 gm/liter 

Soybean mosaic virus

Symptoms:

Infected seeds gets mottled.Diseased plants are usually stunted with distorted (puckered, crinkled, ruffled, stunted, narrow) leaves. Total plant shows stunted. Flattened or curved and contain fewer and smaller seeds. Infected seeds fail to germinate or they produce diseased seedlings

Cultural Control :

Install Blue and yellow sticky traps @ 20 per acre and Uproot the diseased plants and destroy them

Chemical Control:

Two foliar sprays of Thiamethoxam 25% WG  @ 100g/acre + Geolife No Virus 500 ml / acre at 30 and 45 days after sowing to control the vector

Harvesting and Threshing

• Soya bean harvesting duration: 90-110 days after sowing (DAS).
• Manual harvesting involves breaking the stalks at ground level or using a sickle.
• Threshing methods include mechanical soybean threshers or beating with a stick.

Yield

The soybean yield per hectare ranges from 20 to 25 quintals, depending on the variety and good cultivation practices.

Conclusion

Soybean farming in india demands meticulous attention to climatic conditions, with the crop thriving in diverse climates but necessitating dry weather for optimal ripening. Ideal soil temperatures between 15°C for germination and 26-30°C for growth are crucial. Medium to heavy loam soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 are recommended, ensuring effective nutrient uptake. Land preparation involves thorough ploughing, incorporation of Farm Yard Manure and compost, and fine tilth achieved via rotavation. Sowing during early June, with careful dibbling and seed treatment using fungicides and insecticides, sets the stage for healthy crop establishment. Maintaining proper spacing, applying balanced nutrients, and implementing timely irrigation and weed management are essential practices. Effective pest and disease control measures, including cultural, organic, and chemical methods, safeguard against threats like whitefly, thrips, aphids, pod borer, and stem fly. Soybean crop duration typically ranges from 90 to 110 days post-sowing, during which time harvesting methods and yield potentials are influenced by various cultivation practices and varietal choices.

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