Soybean is a legume crop that is highly nutritious and widely grown around the world. It requires essential nutrients for optimal growth, development, and yield. One of the critical factors in soybean cultivation is the appropriate use of fertilizers. In this article, we will discuss the recommended fertilizer dose for soybean farming.
The fertilizer requirements of soybean vary depending on soil fertility, plant age, climate, and management practices. However, there are general guidelines that are recommended for soybean production. It’s essential to conduct a soil test to determine the soil’s nutrient status and to avoid over-fertilization, which can have adverse effects on the environment and crop quality. However, a typical fertilizer dose for soybean cultivation can be described as follows.
Phosphorus and Potassium
Phosphorus and potassium are essential macronutrients required by soybean to enhance growth, development, and yield. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to use phosphorus and potassium-based fertilizers such as DAP (Diammonium phosphate) and MOP (Muriate of potash). The recommended dose of DAP is 30-40 kg/ha, and MOP is 20-30 kg/ha. For those with a lower budget can rely on locally available sources of P and K, such as bone meal and wood ash, which can be applied between 1000kg-2000kg per hectare.
Nitrogen
Soybean is known to fix atmospheric nitrogen via symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria found in their root nodules. Hence, soil application of nitrogen fertilizer is less recommended in the first and second year of the field’s planting. However, applying 50 kg/ha of nitrogen in the third year of planting can help boost soybean yield.
Sulphur
Sulphur is an important secondary nutrient required by soybean to enhance leaf development, protein synthesis, and seed yield. A recommended dose of sulphur for soybean cultivation ranges between 10-20 kg/ha. This can be applied as elemental sulphur, gypsum, or sulphate fertilizers like ammonium sulphate.
Micronutrients
Soybean also requires trace elements like zinc, boron, and molybdenum for optimal growth and yield. Although they are required in small quantities, a deficiency of micronutrients can dramatically reduce soybean yield. The recommended dose of micronutrients depends on the soil test result. Applying a micronutrient fertiliser containing zinc, boron, and molybdenum on soybean at a rate of 1kg per hectare is adequate.
Conclusion
The fertilizer dose for soybean cultivation is critical to maintaining, enhancing growth, development and maximising yield. Applying a combination of phosphorous and potassium-based fertilizers, nitrogen, sulphur and micronutrients in the optimal recommended rates depending on soil status helps optimise yield. Remember, before applying fertilizers, it is important to know your soils nutrient status and soil type. By adhering to best practices, farmers will help conserve the environment and secure healthy crop yield.