Soybean is one of the most important crops worldwide as it is a source of protein, oil, and animal feed. Increasing the size and production of the soybean crop is essential to meet the demand for food and increase yield for farmers. Here are some tips on how to increase size and production in soybean crop:
1. Soil Conditioning
One of the crucial steps to increase the size and production of soybean crop is to optimize soil fertility. Ensure that the soil pH is between 6-7.5, as soybean thrives in neutral to slightly acidic soils. Also, Soybeans require a well-drained soil that can retain moisture during the growing season. Before planting the seeds, conduct a soil test to know the nutrient level of the soil. With soil test results, you can balance the deficient nutrients.
2. Seed Selection
Selecting the appropriate variety for the specific region is critical for the crop. Check both the local and international breeders for the best soybean seed variety that will thrive well in your region. Most soybean varieties are subject to softening or splitting during harvesting, thereby reducing the yield. So, consider the seeds that are disease-resistant and can effectively withstand weather extremes.
3. Timely planting
Soybean crop thrives in areas with warm temperatures and long days to mature. To increase size and production, plant the seeds as early as possible in spring, or as late as summer. Although soybean grows in a wide range of temperatures, the optimum temperature is between 20-30°C. Planting on time will ensure the soybean crop has enough time to develop and reach maturity before the onset of the winter.
4. Weed control
Soybean crops’ effective weed control is essential for an increase in yield. If weeds are not controlled, they compete with soybean for essential nutrients, water, light, and space, thus reducing the size and yield of the crop. Perform pre-emergent weed control to avoid the germination of weed seeds in your soil.
5. Regular irrigations
Moisture stress during soybean crops growth stages can lead to a decrease in crop yield. Thus, water the crops regularly, particularly during drought periods. Water the soybean crops adequately to increase their growth rate and development once seed emergence occurs.
6. Fertilization
Applying fertilizer to the soybean crop can increase its yield by providing adequate nutrients. Proper fertilization will maximize plant development and growth, leading to improved crop productivity. Apply a slow-release fertilizer during the planting stage. This will release the nutrients gradually and support plant growth.
In conclusion, increasing soybean crop’s size and production is not an easy task, but following the above steps will undoubtedly give you a good yield. Remember that soil conditioning, seed selection, timely planting, weed control, regular irrigation, and fertilization are pillars that support soybean crop growth and development. By taking good care of the soybean crop from planting to harvesting, you can increase the size and production, ultimately benefiting both the farmer and consumer.