What are the environmental requirements for growing soybeans?
Soybean is one of the main food crops in China, grown over a very wide area. It has high nutritional value and strong market demand, so its growing prospects are quite good. However, it cannot be grown just anywhere, because growing soybeans requires an environment suitable for soybean growth; otherwise, the soybeans will struggle to survive. So what exactly are the environmental requirements for growing soybeans? Below, the editor brings you these environmental requirements. Let's take a look!
1. Soil
Soybeans have relatively strong adaptability and low soil requirements, and most soils can support normal growth. However, to grow high-quality, high-yield soybeans, you still need to choose soil with normal drainage and irrigation, rich humus, strong water and fertilizer retention, and a deep, loose texture. The soil pH should remain around 6.5-7, and an appropriate amount of fertilizer should be applied to the soil to improve soil fertility. After planting, do a good job of topdressing to ensure the soybeans have sufficient nutrients for growth, and prevent insufficient soil fertility from affecting soybean growth and reducing yield.
2. Temperature
Soybeans prefer to grow in a warm environment. Moderate temperatures are favorable for soybean growth, and after growth begins the temperature must not be lower than 6 degrees for the seeds to gradually sprout. Around 11 degrees is the optimal germination temperature for the seeds. The cold resistance of soybean seedlings is related to their growth condition, and usually the temperature must not be lower than zero degrees. During the soybean growth period, the temperature should be controlled at around 20 degrees. If it is lower than 15 degrees, flower bud differentiation will be greatly hindered, reducing the pollination and seed-setting rate. In the later stage, the temperature must also not be lower than 12 degrees, otherwise grain filling will be affected to some extent.
3. Light
Soybeans have relatively high light requirements and are quite sensitive to changes in light. Because soybean pods are mainly distributed on the upper and lower parts of the plant, the entire plant must receive sufficient light to promote leaf photosynthesis and increase nutrient accumulation. Therefore, during cultivation, the permeability of the plant should be improved to ensure that the leaves can receive sunlight fully and evenly. However, soybean is also a short-day crop, so the daily light duration must be well controlled, and the ratio of dark to light time must be well managed to promote soybean flowering; otherwise, the soybean growth period will be extended.
4. Water
Soybeans have relatively high water requirements throughout the growth period, ranking among the top food crops in water consumption. However, soybeans have different water requirements at different growth stages. During the period from sowing to before emergence, ensure the soil is thoroughly moist to enhance seed water absorption and promote seed germination and emergence. The soil moisture content should remain at around 55%. Then, at the flowering stage, soybean growth speeds up and water demand rises sharply. But do not water too much, to prevent root rot and flower rot, so when watering too much or encountering cloudy and rainy days, drain promptly.
The above is a brief introduction to the environmental requirements for soybeans. Although soybeans can grow healthily in most soils, the yield will definitely decline somewhat. Therefore, we still cannot choose soil casually, to avoid insufficient yield and affecting the economic benefits of cultivation. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Friends who want to learn more related information, please continue to follow us!