Soybean is a very important leguminous crop as it fixes nitrogen in soil, acts as a meat alternative, supplement for tom brown and vegetable oil.
Plant closely helps to achieve good plant population, maximum plant height and good yield however avoid too early and too late planting as this may cause low yields. Ready soy for harvest has yellowing of leaves, pods, hard and yellow seed.
Soy agronomy
Select well drained loamy soils with well distributed rain fall not les than 700mm.
Slash, plough to break soil lumps properly.
Slash, plough and leave cleared vegetation on fields to act as mulch, control soil erosion, maintain good soil temperature and improve organic matter content.
Choose certified seeds that are high yielding, tolerant to diseases, resistant to pod shattering early maturing and resistant to drought from trusted dealers.
Test germination and vigour to help determine quality and seeding rate if 85% germinate plant 2 seeds, 70 – 84 plant 3 seeds but if less than 70% do not plant.
Mix seeds with inoculant and plant at a depth of 3cm, 75 cm between rows and 5cm between plants immediately to prevent bacteria from dying.
Apply recommended phosphorus, potassium fertilizers and organic manure as a complement.
Remove weeds 2 – 3 weeks and 5-6 weeks after planting to reduce nutrient competition.
Control pest and diseases by using tolerant seed varieties, crop rotation.
Harvest when at a proper time, dry, thresh, clean and dry again to ensure quality grains.
