Maximize Soybean Profits with Effective Packages and Practices
Overview: Soybean, hailed as the Golden Bean or Miracle Crop, is renowned for its high protein and oil content.
Soybean - The Golden Bean
Origins:Originating in China, soybean cultivation was introduced to India via the Himalayan Mountains.
Soil: Fertile loamy soil with pH 6.0-7.5 ideal; saline and sodic soils inhibit germination.
Climate: Requires temperatures of 15-32°C for germination, 60-65 cm annual rainfall, avoiding drought and excessive rainfall during flowering.
Preparation: Deep ploughing followed by ridges and furrows, facilitating proper drainage.
Land Preparation and Sowing
Seed Rate: Optimum rate of 55-65 kg/ha with 30-45 cm spacing; treated with Carbendazim or Thiram for fungal protection.
Sowing Time: Mid to late June, ensuring adequate soil moisture.
Irrigation: Critical at germination, flowering, and pod initiation stages; 5-6 irrigations during growth.
Irrigation and Fertilization
Fertilizers:Balanced application of FYM, N, P, and K essential for healthy growth and yield.
Weeding: Weed-free maintenance up to 60 days after sowing; application of pendimethalin and hand weeding recommended.
Weed Management and Inter-cultivation
Inter-cultivation:Timely cultivation and weeding vital for optimum yield.
Harvesting: Proper stage identification crucial; seeds harvested at 15% moisture content; mechanical or manual threshing methods employed.
Harvesting and Threshing
Yield:Yield potential up to 25-30 qt/ha under irrigation and 15-20 qt/ha under rainfed conditions.
Adherence to the soybean package of practices ensures optimal growth and yield, contributing significantly to agricultural sustainability and food security.