CROP NUTRITION AND SOIL HEALTH

High-quality soybeans need a good base and the right nutrients

Caring for the soil helps retain nutrients to provide soybeans a good start in the field. But sometimes growers need to add a little more to their fields to grow productive, high-quality soybeans.

Nutrients help soybeans grow

While soybeans require 14 minerals for growth, healthy soil can provide most of these. Farmers add fertilizer to increase nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur and iron to make up for the minerals the soil can’t provide. Unlike other crops, soybeans fix their own nitrogen from the soil through microorganisms living on nodules on the plant’s roots. High-yielding soybean varieties may require additional nitrogen.

A productive crop starts with healthy soil

Conservation tillage, cover crops and rotating crops are sustainable farming practices used to care for the soil as well. Producers manage their fields to ensure they have healthy soil year after year to produce quality crops.

Knowing what is there

Farmers test their soil to find out what nutrients need to be added for the crop they are planning to plant. Most universities recommend that soil tests are taken every two to four years.

Applying the right nutrients at the right time

Using information from a soil test, producers may apply fertilizer in the fall or spring depending upon the nutrients needed and the crop they are planting.

Explore other modern agriculture practices

Precision Agriculture

This management system is focused on using new technology and information to precisely align inputs with crop needs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PRECISION AG

Biotechnology

Using scientific tools and methods, including traditional breeding and genetic engineering, biotechnology enhances crops to have desired traits.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BIOTECH

Growing Season

Throughout the soybean growing season there are many practices farmers use to get the most out of each crop.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GROWING SEASON

Soybean Varieties

There are many considerations that go into selecting the right soybean variety — length of growing season, end users and potential pest and weed pressures, just to name a few.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOYBEAN VARIETIES

The Cost of Farming

Running a farming operation is an expensive venture – and farmers pay for it with more than just money.

FIND OUT WHAT IT COSTS TO FARM

Sustainability

Sustainability is a pillar of soybean farming. Because of sustainable farming practices, soybean farmers have been able to farm productively for generations. Building on this productivity with best practices and new technologies helps farmers leave a lasting legacy, while cultivating a safe, abundant crop.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY