Also known as Edamame · Gm Soya · Kaḍhelli
Soybean (Glycine max) is a vital legume crop cultivated globally for its protein-rich seeds, used extensively in food, feed, and industrial products.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Soybeans require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and pod production.
Moderate to High
75% intensity
Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during flowering and pod set. Avoid drought stress and waterlogged conditions.
Loam, Sandy loam
50% intensity
Warm Season
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. Sensitive to frost; plant after the danger of frost has passed.
Low to Moderate
25% intensity
As legumes, they fix nitrogen. Supplemental P and K may be needed based on soil tests. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Soybeans require consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod development. Water deeply when the top 2-5 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering frequency once pods begin to mature and dry.
Pruning is typically not required for soybean cultivation. In some cases, removing lower leaves that are touching the soil can help prevent disease.
For bush varieties, pinching back the terminal buds early in the season can encourage bushier growth and more pods.
Soybeans are propagated by seed. Sow seeds directly into the ground after the last frost when soil temperatures have warmed to at least 10°C. Optimal planting depth is about 2.
5-5 cm, with spacing depending on the variety, usually 5-10 cm apart in rows.
Repotting is not applicable to soybean cultivation as they are typically grown as annual field crops or in containers for short-term use and harvested. If grown in containers for specific purposes, transplanting into larger pots might be done during early growth if root-bound.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Soybean (Glycine max)
21 known issues from plant disease data
Septoria brown spot in Soybean causes small brown leaf spots that begin low in the canopy and spread upward with defoliation.
Brown stem rot in Soybean causes browning inside stems, leaf scorch, and reduced vigor that may look worse late in season.
Purple seed stain in Soybean causes purple discoloration on seed coats, lowering seed appearance and grain market quality.
Soybean mosaic in Soybean causes mottled, puckered leaves, uneven growth, and fewer normal pods on infected field plants.
Bean pod mottle in Soybean causes mottled leaves, misshapen pods, and seed with blotchy discoloration and reduced quality.
Downy mildew in Soybean causes pale yellow leaf spots with grayish growth underneath and reduced leaf quality late in season.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Glycine |
| Species | Glycine max |
Similar in genus Glycine
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
