Soybean- Planting activities

Soybean is propagated through seeds. The seed rate is 8 kg/acre for pure crop and 2.4 kg/acre for inter crop.

It is grown, mainly in areas where the summer is hot and humid. It cannot not withstand extreme summer and winter. The optimum temperature for growing soybean is 25-30 degree Celcius.

The crop will perform best when sown by the onset of south-west monsoon. Sowing after the onset of heavy showers will result in poor germination and growth.

The field is ploughed or digged well. Raised beds are prepared to saw the crop. Organic manure @ 12 kg/cent is added at planting time. Inoculation with Rhizobium culture is desirable.

Seeds may be sown either in lines 45 cm apart at a distance of 10 cm between seeds in a row, or by giving a plant-to-plant distance of 20 cm.

Lime or dolomite has to be applied in acid soils two weeks ahead of fertilizer application.

Apply recommended basal dose of fertilizers at the time of planting.