Published Mar 17, 2024
Soybeans, also known as golden beans, belong to the legume family and originate from East Asia. Rich in protein and fibre, they aid crop diversification in Punjab.
It is suitable for temperatures ranging from 18°C to 38°C, with rainfall between 30-60cm. Sowing Soybeans thrives at 25-38°C, while harvesting occurs at 18-25°C.
Soybeans grow best in good, fertile soil that drains well and has a pH between 6 and 7.5. Avoid saturated or salty soils for soybean farming. Cold weather can harm the crop.
Plough the field two to three times, then use planks to smooth the surface. This prepares the soil for planting soybeans, ensuring optimal growing conditions.
The optimal time for soybean farming is the first half of June. Use row spacing of 45 cm and plant spacing of 4-7 cm. Plant seeds 2.5-5 cm deep using a seed drill.
Keep the field weed-free with two hoeings—the first 20 days after sowing and the second 40 days after. Alternatively, use Pendimethalin spray at 800 ml/acre within two days of sowing.