Soybean is one of the most important crops globally, serving as a source of vegetable oil and protein-rich fodder. It is cultivated in various parts of the world and is a valuable crop in both developed and developing nations. Soybean is a versatile crop that can adapt to varying climatic and soil conditions; therefore, farmers have a range of soybean varieties to choose from. In this article, we explore the different varieties of soybean crops cultivated worldwide, their characteristics, and potential applications.
1. Maturity Group
Soybean varieties can be grouped based on their maturity period, which refers to the time between planting and the beginning of the reproductive phase. The maturity group is determined by the responsiveness of a variety to photoperiod (day length), temperature, and other environmental factors. The maturity period of soybeans is broadly classified into four groups, which are:
– Group 0: These soybean varieties have the shortest maturity period (less than 80 days) and are mostly cultivated in tropical regions close to the equator.
– Group 1: These soybean varieties have a maturity period of 80-90 days and are suitable for subtropical regions.
– Group 2: These soybean varieties have a maturity period of 90-100 days and are adapted to temperate regions with cool summers.
– Group 3: These soybean varieties have a medium maturity period of 100-120 days and are suitable for growing in regions with long summers.
2. Seed Coat Color
Soybean seed coat color varies from white, cream, yellow, brown, black, and green. This variation is attributed to the presence or absence of pigments in the seed coat. The color of the seed coat influences the nutritional value of the soybean, making it useful for specific applications. White-seeded soybean varieties are preferred for making tofu, while yellow-seeded varieties are rich in isoflavones, which are antioxidants known to improve heart health.
3. Protein and Oil Content
Soybean varieties also differ in their protein and oil content. The protein content of soybean varieties ranges from 30% to 50%, while the oil content ranges from 16% to 24%. High protein soybean varieties are preferred for producing soy dairy products, meat analogs, and animal feeds, while high oil varieties are mainly used for producing vegetable oil and biofuels.
4. Adaptability
Soybean varieties are adapted to different soils and climatic conditions, such as temperature, rainfall, soil fertility, pH, and disease resistance. High yielding soybean varieties are generally adaptable to different climatic regions and soil types, with a high degree of resistance to pests and diseases.
5. Growth habits
Soybean varieties have two main growth habits: determinate and indeterminate. Determinate varieties produce flowers and pod sets over a shorter period, leading to a more concentrated harvest. On the other hand, indeterminate varieties have a more extended reproductive period, leading to a more extended harvest period.
In conclusion, soybean is a versatile crop with numerous varieties that differ in their characteristics, geographical adaptability, and nutritional content. Farmers have a range of options to choose from depending on their location, soil type, and production goals. By selecting the right variety, farmers can optimize their yields, improve soil fertility, and produce high-quality soybean products.