Trace elements needed for soybean growth and application methods

Normal soybean growth requires some trace elements, among which the more important ones are molybdenum, boron, zinc, manganese, etc. Molybdenum is a component of soybean root nodule nitrogenase and an indispensable component for the normal life activities of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Boron is also very important in soybean life activities. Soybeans deficient in boron have poor root development and poor nodule formation, losing their nitrogen-fixing ability. Therefore, attention must also be paid to trace elements.

Can the trace elements needed by soybeans be satisfied from the soil? This depends on the abundance or deficiency of trace elements in the soil and environmental conditions. For example, low-lying or poorly drained soil is most prone to manganese deficiency, calcareous soil is prone to iron deficiency, and acidic soil with a pH below 6 is prone to molybdenum deficiency.

For the application of micro-fertilizers, it is best to apply them as a seed coating agent at sowing time, which is more economical.

If trace element deficiency is found at the seedling stage, foliar spraying (also called topdressing outside the roots) should be used, spraying with a 0.1% molybdic acid solution before soybean flowering, with 40-50 kg of liquid sprayed per 667 sq m.