1、Nitrogen fertilizer for soybeans offers limited yield benefits, study

In a recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, researchers tested whether modern high-yielding soybeans benefit from nitrogen fertilizer, with results suggesting additions are largely unnecessary. Soybeans form a natural partnership with bacteria that colonize the plant’s roots.

2、Soybean response to nitrogen fertilizer in different soils

Because soybeans are heavy nitrogen (N) users, there is a common perception that N fertilizer application can aid high-yielding soybeans. Higher crop prices and higher yields in recent years have increased this interest to some extent.

3、Do Soybeans Need Nitrogen Fertilizer? The Truth Revealed

On one hand, nitrogen fertilizer is a critical input for soybean production, enabling farmers to achieve high yields and meet market demands. On the other hand, excessive nitrogen use can lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and negative environmental impacts.

4、Optimal Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Soybean Cultivation

Legume plants, which include soybeans, generally do not require copious nitrogen fertilizer application because they can live in symbiosis with rhizobia, leading to the reduction of atmospheric N 2 forms available for the host plant. They require only small amounts of available nitrogen at the start of the growing period.

5、Nitrogen Management in Soybeans: Boost Growth & Efficiency

Nitrogen fertilizer plays a pivotal role in soybean growth, ensuring healthy plant development and optimal yields. However, managing nitrogen effectively requires understanding soybean nutrient needs, proper timing, and strategic application methods.

University of Illinois study questions nitrogen use in soybean farming

The study concludes that while nitrogen can aid early growth in certain conditions, for most Illinois farms, the natural nitrogen-fixing ability of soybeans combined with the activity of free-living soil bacteria provides sufficient nitrogen.

Nitrogen Fertilizer for Soybean

Soybean contains approximately 40% protein in the grain, which is rich in nitrogen (N); therefore, soybean needs for N are high. Soybean is able to fix most of the N it needs through its symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria.

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As soybean yields increase, the plant needs to produce more protein, which in turn requires more nitrogen. Therefore, some researchers and farmers believe adding nitrogen fertilizer helps the plant meet this increased demand.

Nitrogen fertilizer for soybeans offers limit

As soybean yields increase, the plant needs to produce more protein, which in turn requires more nitrogen. Therefore, some researchers and farmers believe adding nitrogen fertilizer helps the...

The Benefits Of Using Soybean Meal As Fertilizer

Soybean meal is a by-product of the soybean oil extraction process, which makes it an affordable and readily available option for gardeners. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of using soybean meal as a fertilizer and provide tips on how to use it effectively in your garden.

Soybeans, as a common agricultural crop, play a vital role in agricultural production. Besides being an important food crop, soybeans also offer rich nutritional value and multiple economic benefits. Notably, using soybeans as nitrogen fertilizer is significant for improving crop yields and enhancing soil quality. Below are the detailed advantages of soybeans as nitrogen fertilizer:

I. Nutritional Benefits of Soybeans as Nitrogen Fertilizer

1. Provide Nitrogen Essential for Plant Growth: Soybeans contain a high proportion of protein, which can be absorbed and utilized by plants to convert into nitrogen. Thus, soybeans serve as an excellent natural nitrogen source, directly supplying the nitrogen required for plant growth.
2. Promote Root Development: The proteins and other nutrients in soybeans provide essential nourishment for plant roots, stimulating root growth and development. Healthy roots enhance a plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, thereby increasing growth rates and stress resistance.
3. Improve Soil Fertility: During decomposition, soybeans release ammonia and other volatile substances, which increase the availability of nitrogen in the soil and boost its fertility. Additionally, soybeans improve soil structure, enhancing aeration and water retention, which benefits root growth.

II. Environmental Benefits of Soybeans as Nitrogen Fertilizer

1. Reduce Chemical Fertilizer Use: By providing nitrogen through soybeans, reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers can be minimized. This lowers agricultural costs, reduces environmental pollution, and eases the burden on soil and water sources.
2. Promote Ecological Balance: Reasonable use of soybeans as nitrogen fertilizer helps regulate the balance of farmland ecosystems. For example, decomposing soybeans release bioactive substances (e.g., amino acids) that stimulate soil microbial activity, further improving soil health.
3. Enhance Agricultural Sustainability: Rational use of soybeans as nitrogen fertilizer supports sustainable resource management. Practices like crop rotation, deep tillage, and planting green manure crops can increase soil organic matter and strengthen the soil’s self-purification capacity.

III. Economic Value of Soybeans as Nitrogen Fertilizer

1. Increase Farmers’ Income: Using soybeans as nitrogen fertilizer reduces production costs and boosts crop yields, creating an effective pathway to higher incomes for farmers.
2. Boost Rural Economic Development: Improving agricultural efficiency and productivity through soybean-based fertilization drives rural economic growth. This not only aids poverty alleviation but also optimizes rural industrial structures.
3. Add Value to Agricultural Products: Crops fertilized with soybeans often produce higher-quality, better-tasting goods. These products gain competitive advantages in the market, attracting more consumers and increasing their added value.

IV. Implementation Recommendations for Soybeans as Nitrogen Fertilizer

1. Scientific Proportioning: Tailor soybean application based on crop-specific needs. Combining soybeans with organic fertilizers maximizes nitrogen supply advantages.
2. Optimal Timing: Apply soybeans during critical growth stages (e.g., spring fertilization combined with deep tillage) to ensure efficient nitrogen absorption.
3. Strengthen Field Management: Ensure soybean quality and yield by managing planting schedules, drainage, and weed control.

using soybeans as nitrogen fertilizer not only provides essential nitrogen for plants but also improves soil fertility, ecological balance, and economic outcomes. Actively promoting this practice can contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture.