Soybeans are one of the most important crops in the world today, playing a key role in global crop production due to their high nutritional and economic properties. Its seeds are a valuable source of protein and oil and are widely used in the food, feed and pharmaceutical industries.
With the growing demand for vegetable proteins, soybean cultivation technology is becoming particularly relevant, as the right approach to agronomic practices ensures consistently high yields and quality products.
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Where soya is used
Soybeans are one of the world’s most versatile crops, with a range of applications that include food, engineering, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Due to their high content of protein, healthy fats and amino acids, soybeans are transformed into dozens of valuable products that are in demand both in industry and in everyday life.
The most important uses of soybeans include the following products and industries:
- Soy milk, tofu, okara – these products are widely used in dietary and vegan diets. Soy milk is a lactose-free alternative to cow’s milk, and tofu cheese is a source of vegetable protein with a minimum fat content. The okara left over from milk production is used as a highly nutritious ingredient for baking, minced meat, cutlets and even feed;
- Soy flour, cereals, soy sauce, seeds – soy flour is a component of gluten-free baked goods, mixes, pasta and baby food. Sauce is an indispensable element of Asian cuisine, which is popular all over the world today. Soy cereals and seeds are the basis of cereals and food supplements;
- Textured soy protein and isolates – used in the production of alternative meat, sausages, minced meat, cutlets, pates, yoghurts and beverages. Textured protein has a structure similar to meat, while soy isolates have a high protein concentration (up to 90%) and are used as raw materials for sports nutrition and functional foods;
- Soybean oil is one of the most common vegetable oils in the world. It is used both in cooking and for technical purposes. In particular, it is the basis for the production of biofuels, soaps, paints, lubricants and varnishes. It is easily digestible and rich in unsaturated fatty acids, in particular omega-3 and omega-6;
- Soybean meal and cake are by-products of soybean processing that are extremely valuable in animal husbandry. Due to their high protein content (up to 45-48%), they are widely used in feed for pigs, poultry, cattle, fish and other farm animals. These additives stimulate growth, strengthen the immune system and reduce feed costs;
- Textile, paper, pharmaceutical and perfumery industries – soy protein isolates, peptones and extracts are used as natural thickeners, emulsifiers, adhesives and binders. In the textile industry, soybeans are used to make soft, hypoallergenic fabrics that are breathable and fully biodegradable.
In the pharmaceutical industry, soy isoflavones are used to make hormone therapy, osteoporosis drugs and antioxidant supplements. In cosmetics, soybeans are used as an active ingredient in creams, shampoos, and masks due to their moisturising and regenerating properties.
The variety of soy-based products allows this crop to be used as comprehensively as possible, with minimal waste and high profitability. It is equally effective both in a large agricultural enterprise and in niche eco-brands.
Optimal crop rotation for soya beans
Soybeans are among the crops that have high requirements for soil moisture, especially in the early stages of growth. During this period, its root system is still underdeveloped, so the plant has poor weed resistance and is unable to compete effectively for moisture.
That is why it is extremely important to choose the right predecessor to create favourable conditions for the start of soybean development. It is most advisable to sow soybeans after crops that do not deplete the soil too much, do not leave a large amount of crop residues and do not take moisture from the deep layers.
Winter wheat and spring barley are considered ideal predecessors, as they provide moderate structural loosening of the soil and do not leave aggressive weeds. Corn for grain or silage is also suitable, provided that its residues are well crushed and evenly distributed in the field so as not to interfere with soybean germination.
Among pulses, soybeans are best planted after peas or lupins, as they leave nitrogen in the soil and improve the structure of the top layer. However, it is not recommended to sow soybeans after soybeans or other related legumes, as this increases the risk of disease, pest accumulation and worsens the phytosanitary condition of the field. Sunflower and sugar beet are also undesirable predecessors, as they draw moisture from deeper layers and often leave compacted soil.
Crop rotation, in which soybeans return to the same field no more than once every 3-4 years, is considered optimal. This approach helps to preserve moisture, reduce pathogen load and provide the crop with a competitive start at the beginning of the growing season.
Soil and climatic conditions for growing soybeans
Soybeans are a highly adaptable crop that can grow on many types of soil, but they require specific conditions to achieve high yields. It thrives best on well-drained, organic-rich loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic reaction. The soil acidity should remain between 6.0-7.5 pH.
If the pH level falls below 5.5, especially to the critical level of 4.5, toxicity increases due to the accumulation of manganese and aluminium, which negatively affects the growth of the root system. On the contrary, on soils that are too alkaline, there is a lack of trace elements such as zinc and iron, which also limits the productivity of the crop.
The water regime plays a significant role. Although soybeans are not water-loving in the classical sense, they are extremely sensitive to moisture deficits at key stages of development, especially during flowering and bean formation. During the growing season, the plant needs about 510-660 mm of precipitation or an equivalent amount of water from irrigation.
At the same time, excess water is no less dangerous for it: stagnation in the lower soil layers and flooding of areas can cause root rot and death of young plants. Therefore, it is important that the field has a good drainage system and does not accumulate excess water after rains.
Another critical factor is soil structure. Areas that are too sandy or rocky are not suitable for growing soybeans because of their inability to retain moisture. This is particularly problematic given that soybeans have a shallow root system that is unable to draw water from deeper horizons.
In terms of climate, soybeans are well adapted to moderately cold regions (e.g. the US, Canada) as well as tropical and subtropical zones such as Indonesia and Brazil. In Ukraine, soybeans are grown in almost all climatic zones, but the best results are obtained in the forest-steppe region, especially in the so-called ‘soybean belt’, which combines fertile soils with sufficient moisture and heat.
The optimum temperature for soybean growth ranges from 22°C to 35°C. Temperatures below 20°C significantly slow down plant development, and frosts can kill seedlings. In regions with a short growing season, early maturing varieties should be preferred, as they can complete development before the onset of autumn cold snaps.
Successful soybean cultivation is based on a balance between moisture, heat and structurally fertile soil. If these conditions are met, the plant can reach its full potential even in areas with moderate drought or short summers.
The best soya varieties for growing
Success in soybean cultivation depends to a large extent on the right choice of variety. It’s not just a matter of yield – it’s also a matter of adaptation to climate, soil conditions, moisture levels and even potential diseases that could threaten the crop.
The best results are obtained by growing several different varieties with different maturity dates. This reduces the risks associated with weather fluctuations and avoids the entire area being ripe at the same time, which is especially critical when harvesting is delayed.
In the steppe regions of Ukraine, where the climate is warm and arid, preference should be given to mid- and late-season varieties, as they have higher yield potential.
In the forest-steppe, medium-early varieties perform better, as they have a sufficient growing season under more balanced moisture conditions. In the Polissya zone, where summers are shorter, early maturing varieties that have time to ripen before the first frost are the best choice.
You should also take into account the reaction of the variety to environmental conditions. Some varieties are better able to withstand moisture, while others are more drought-resistant. It is also worth considering resistance to diseases, including root rot, fusarium, bacterial spot and viral infections. It is good if the variety has genetic resistance to the main pests, as this reduces the cost of protecting crops.
Another important aspect is the physical characteristics of the variety. Soybeans that are too tall on a fertile field or at high seeding rates often tend to lodge. This makes harvesting difficult and can lead to yield losses. A strong stem, moderate height and resistance to breakage are the advantages to look for when choosing.
It is also important to pay attention to the level of bean deformation that occurs during drying and rewetting cycles. This risk is more likely to occur in varieties that remain on the field for a long time after maturation, especially in conditions of fluctuating air humidity.
In addition to agronomic characteristics, the economic feasibility of the selected variety is also important. Some high-yielding varieties require more care or have a high seed cost. In this case, it is advisable to assess whether the expected profit will compensate for the costs of agronomic measures. Sometimes it is more profitable to choose a variety with a slightly lower potential, but with better disease resistance or lower chemical protection requirements.
When choosing a variety, it is worth studying the results of demo sowings in your region, the experience of other farmers and recommendations from reliable seed companies. You should pay attention not only to marketing promises, but also to practical indicators – how the variety behaved in real conditions, on similar soil, in the same year. It is worth focusing on varieties in the 0.5-1.0 maturity group, which in Ukraine demonstrate stable yields in different climatic zones.
The soybean variety must be suitable for the climate, soil, financial capabilities of the farm and agronomic conditions. And most importantly, it should work in your conditions, not just on paper or in the laboratory.
How long does soya take to grow?
Soybeans have a growing season of 100 to 130 days on average, i.e. the full cycle from seed germination to full bean maturity. The specific duration depends primarily on the variety, as well as on the natural conditions in which the crop is grown.
One of the key factors affecting growth rate is the length of daylight hours. Soybeans are a short-day crop, so with excessively long light, plant growth slows down: flowering is delayed, and plants actively increase their vegetative mass, stretch out, and form more nodes, which can make it difficult for the beans to ripen evenly.
On the contrary, shorter days stimulate faster flowering, especially in late-ripening varieties, which enter the reproductive phase faster when the light period is reduced.
In addition to light, weather factors also have a significant impact on the duration of growth. Insufficient sun or moisture during the filling and ripening of the beans can prolong this stage, delaying harvest. Soybean development can also be slowed down by pests or diseases – in such cases, the plant spends its energy fighting for survival rather than producing a full harvest.
Soybeans grow for an average of three and a half to four months, but this period can vary depending on the photoperiod, weather conditions, biological characteristics of the variety and the phytosanitary condition of the field. Proper variety selection, control of growing conditions and timely crop protection are the basis for a stable and predictable crop development rate.
How to sow soya correctly
Sowing is a key stage in soybean cultivation, which determines the further development of the plant, its resistance to stress and, ultimately, its yield. It is at the time of sowing that the foundations of the root system are laid, and the uniformity of germination and future seeding density are formed. To achieve a stable result, it is important to take into account a number of factors.
The right approach to sowing helps to avoid common mistakes, such as uneven germination, lodging, weakening of plants in the flowering phase or loss of part of the crop during harvesting. This section discusses the main principles of effective soybean sowing, taking into account regional climatic conditions, soil types and agronomic practices.
Soil cultivation for soybeans
High-quality soil preparation for soybeans is not only a technical operation, but also one of the key stages that affects the uniformity of germination, root development and subsequent crop yields.
Although agronomic research shows that tillage methods do not have a direct impact on yields, the choice of technology can have a significant impact on the economic efficiency of cultivation.
No-till or minimum tillage is considered to be the most optimal in today’s environment, as it preserves moisture, reduces soil erosion, and reduces fuel consumption and the number of mechanical passes across the field.
This technology is particularly effective in regions with limited moisture and crop rotation. Field preparation for soybean sowing is traditionally divided into autumn and spring phases.
In autumn, after harvesting the previous crop, we often carry out semi-steam tillage – early ploughing – which helps to accumulate moisture in the profile and provokes weed germination, which is then easily destroyed. If necessary, cultivation is used to loosen the compacted layer and improve the soil structure.
Stubble peeling helps to crush crop residues, accelerate their decomposition and at the same time reduce the pressure of pathogens on the new crop. Fertiliser can also be applied at this stage, depending on the soil analysis and the characteristics of the previous crop.
In the spring, before sowing, when using classical technology, it is possible to carry out deep ploughing, which improves aeration, retains moisture and creates favourable conditions for the development of the root system.
Immediately before sowing, pre-sowing cultivation is carried out to level the field surface, destroy weeds and prepare the soil for sowing. Herbicides may also be applied at this stage to prevent competition from unwanted vegetation.
Special attention should be paid to the condition of the seeds. If they have not been pre-treated, fungicides and insecticides should be applied to protect the seedlings from diseases and pests. However, repeated treatments should be avoided in order not to exceed the permissible chemical load.
Soil cultivation for soybeans is a system that must meet the actual conditions of the farm, taking into account the predecessor, moisture supply, availability of machinery and the chosen sowing method. A rational combination of agronomic practices allows us to create ideal starting conditions for plants, which ultimately translates into a stable harvest.
Sowing dates for soybeans
Determining the optimal time for sowing soybeans is one of the most important factors affecting future crop yields. The main condition for starting sowing is that the soil warms up to +12…14°C at the depth of seed placement with stable moisture.
This temperature ensures good field germination, active germination and the start of root development. If sown in overcooled soil, the risk of disease, pest damage, delayed germination and reduced overall yield increases.
In regions with a warm climate, particularly in the southern steppes of Ukraine, sowing starts in mid-April. In the southwestern Forest-Steppe, it is from the last decade of April to early May.
In the northern Forest-Steppe, the optimal period is the first and second decade of May, while in the western regions and Polissya soybeans are usually sown in the first half of May. In areas with a cooler climate, where late spring frosts are likely, sowing starts 2-3 weeks after they are over, but only after the soil reaches the required temperature.
In early spring conditions, the sowing campaign can be started earlier, based on the actual warming of the soil. Some farms allow for a 30-40 day delay in sowing, but this is an option in case of emergency, as delaying the sowing season results in shorter stems, fewer pods and a risk of autumn frosts during bean maturation.
The distribution of varieties by sowing dates is also important. Late-ripening, mid-late and mid-season varieties that require a longer growing season are sown first. Medium-early and early-ripening varieties are sown at the end of the optimal timeframe, which allows for an even distribution of the harvest load and reduces the risk of losses due to weather fluctuations.
The depth of sowing is usually 4-6 cm. However, in conditions of insufficient moisture in the seedbed, it can be increased to 10-12 cm to provide the seeds with access to the moist soil layer and avoid delayed germination. This is especially important in steppe regions and on light soils.
Successful timing of sowing is always a combination of data on soil temperature, local climate, moisture supply and biological characteristics of the selected variety. Timely sowing is the first step towards a healthy, uniform and productive crop.
Seeding rate of soybeans
Seeding rate is one of the key agronomic indicators that determines the density of crops, uniformity of plant development, and the efficiency of moisture and nutrient use.
Contrary to the popular belief that ‘more is better’, an excessive amount of seeds can lead to lodging, stretching of stems and competition between plants. On the contrary, an insufficient amount can lead to a loss of potential yield due to uneven filling of the area.
A number of factors are taken into account when determining the seeding rate:
- Soil type. On light, sandy or sandy loamy soils, it is advisable to increase the number of seeds, as moisture loss and uneven germination are higher there. On heavier, clayey or high humus soils, on the contrary, the seeding rate can be reduced.
- Genetic characteristics of the variety. Varieties prone to lodging should be sown less frequently, especially on fertile fields where plants form a powerful vegetative mass. More compact varieties, on the other hand, allow for higher densities.
- Maturity group. Early varieties require denser spacing to compensate for the short growing season, while late maturing varieties have more time to form beans even at lower densities.
You should also take into account the level of fertility of the field, the presence of microelements and soil moisture reserves. The better the conditions for growth, the less you should sow. And the expected germination of the seeds. Even certified seed has a certain percentage of ungerminated seeds, so a reserve should be added to the recommended density – an average of 25-30%.
The value of the seed rate also varies in physical weight. Depending on the fraction, size and weight of a thousand seeds, the norm ranges from 70 to 130 kg/ha. To help you get a better idea, below are some example recommended soybean seeding rates (in thousands of seeds per hectare) depending on the climate zone:
| Climatic Zone / Conditions | Optimal Seeding Rate, thousand seeds/ha |
| Northern Forest-Steppe | 400–550 |
| Polesia | 400–450 |
| Southern Steppe | 300–450 |
| Early-maturing varieties (all zones) | 600–700 |
| Mid-maturing varieties | 450–550 |
The final decision should always be made taking into account the results of previous sowings, the type of variety, field conditions and weather conditions of a particular season. The optimised seed rate is a balance between crop potential, production economics and agricultural prudence.
Sowing depth and row spacing
Modern soybean cultivation technology is based on precision row seeding, which has replaced the outdated spreading method that was common until the mid-20th century. With the use of specialised direct seed drills, farmers can ensure uniform seed placement, optimum depth and precise row spacing – all of which have a direct impact on germination, plant development and final yield.
Sowing depth is a critical parameter: its observance ensures rapid germination and a healthy start for young plants. Sowing the seeds to a depth of 2-4 cm is considered the best. If sown too shallowly, there is a risk of drying out of the seedbed or mechanical damage to the seeds.
Sowing too deeply, in turn, delays the emergence of seedlings and increases the risk of soil pathogens. After sowing, the seeds must be covered with a layer of soil and, if necessary, watered with warm water, especially in conditions of insufficient humidity.
When it comes to row spacing, a width of up to 15 cm is considered the most effective. This interval provides sufficient space for plant development and also helps to close the row spacing in the early stages of the growing season. This creates a natural darkening of the soil, which inhibits weed growth and reduces the activity of many pests, thus reducing the need for herbicides.
Amount of soybean seeds per hectare
Determining the number of seeds to sow per hectare is an important technological parameter that directly affects the density of crops, uniformity of plant growth and the efficiency of using field resources.
On average, the optimal density is about 1,000 seeds per 1 m², which is equivalent to about 330-350 thousand seeds per hectare. In terms of weight, this equates to about 130 kg/ha, although the specific value can vary between 70 and 130 kg/ha, depending on the weight of 1000 seeds, moisture content, germination and physical quality of the seeds.
This density allows plants to efficiently absorb sunlight, moisture and nutrients, minimising intra-sowing competition. Overly dense sowing can lead to lodging, stretching of stems and increased risk of disease, while too sparse sowing can lead to a loss of potential yield.
Therefore, when preparing for the sowing campaign, it is important to accurately determine not only the variety and agronomic scheme, but also the actual seeding rate, which takes into account the physical parameters of the seeds and the conditions of a particular field. This not only saves resources, but also ensures uniform, healthy and productive seedlings.
Fertiliser application system
Soybeans are one of the most demanding crops in terms of mineral nutrition. To achieve a high yield, it is necessary to take into account the needs of the plant at each stage of development, climatic conditions and soil type.
Particular attention is paid to the competent construction of the fertilisation system, which in most farms includes three main blocks: basic fertilisation, starter nutrition and foliar feeding.
During the formation of 1 tonne of grain, soybeans consume an average of 60-75 kg of nitrogen, 12-17 kg of phosphorus, 18-25 kg of potassium, as well as trace elements: calcium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, zinc, boron, manganese, molybdenum and copper. Such a mineral demand demonstrates the need for a balanced approach to nutrition – not only macro- but also micro-nutrient nutrition.
Chlorine-free complex fertilisers with a high content of phosphorus and sulphur are the most effective for the main and starter fertilisation. Fertilisers from the IFAGRI NPK range are highly effective thanks to phosphorus compounds with good solubility, which ensures up to 80% phosphorus absorption. The best options for soybeans are:
- IFAGRI NPK 10-28-15+5S or 08-19-28+4S at a rate of 80-100 kg/ha;
- IFAGRI NPK 10-20-20+7S – 100-120 kg/ha;
- COMPLEX 15/15/15+8SO₃+Zn – 125-150 kg/ha.
Even at reduced doses, these products demonstrate higher efficiency than traditional fertilisers or products in the lower price segment.
Nitrogen plays a special role in soybean nutrition, which the plant consumes in significant quantities but can also be absorbed from the air through symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. To ensure this process, inoculation of seeds with special microbiological preparations is a prerequisite.
One of the most effective inoculants is MicroSource Plus Soybean, which contains active strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum in a stabilised form. It is applied at the time of sowing at a rate of 2.6 kg/t of seeds. Thanks to modern freezing and thawing technology, the bacteria are activated at the right time – when the temperature and soil moisture are optimal for germination. Also effective are the preparations of the HighCot Super series from Eridon.
If inoculation is not carried out or if you need to compensate for a lack of nitrogen, you can use mineral nitrogen fertilisers. In this case, it is advisable to apply Thio-Sul®, a product that slows down the release of nitrogen, prolonging its availability until the bean formation phase. It is recommended to combine Thio-Sul® with UAN (urea-ammonia mixture) to enhance the effect.
Soybean fertilisation
Despite the ability of soybeans to biologically fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, the crop remains sensitive to nutrient deficiencies, particularly micronutrients. Without proper nutrition, soybeans do not realise their potential: grain quality deteriorates, yields decrease, and the risk of disease development increases.
Particular attention should be paid to the content of boron, molybdenum and cobalt in the soil, as these elements play a critical role in key growth stages – from the 3-4 trifoliate leaf to budding and bean formation.
Boron is needed at all stages of the growing season, especially in young growing organs. It stimulates the formation of flowers and ovaries, and thus directly affects the number of fruits.
Molybdenum activates the growth of the root system, enhances the development of nodule bacteria and supports the process of nitrogen fixation, which is critical for protein synthesis. Cobalt also stimulates nodule bacteria, promotes chlorophyll biosynthesis and enhances leaf development.
In order to compensate for the lack of elements and ensure optimal plant nutrition, foliar application of specialised fertilisers, in particular Eridon products such as Redonik BOR, Rosalik (B) and Redonik Molybdenum Turbo, is advisable in the 3-4 trifoliate leaf stage. During the budding phase, fertilisation is supplemented with phosphites and biostimulants, which not only improve pollination but also form a higher number of grains in each bean.
Already at the early stages, in the 1-2 trifoliate leaf stage, agronomists use Millerplex, a bioactive preparation based on the extract of the algae Ascophyllum nodosum. It not only stimulates lateral branching and green mass growth, but also reduces the phytotoxicity of herbicides, enhancing their effect on weeds.
In the period from the 4th trifoliate leaf to budding, it is important to fertilise with Rosalik microfertiliser (Mg, Mn, N, S), which provides the so-called ‘green effect’ – increased photosynthesis, leaf surface growth and tight row spacing. This contributes to better soil moisture retention and reduced competition from weeds.
After the first beans appear, it is advisable to apply Rosalik (RK+ME) or AminoAlexin, which contribute to the formation of larger grains, improve phosphorus metabolism in the ovary and overall plant strength. In addition, AminoAlexin boosts soybean immunity by stimulating the production of phytoalexins, natural protective substances that increase the crop’s resistance to diseases, including downy mildew.
Balanced fertilisation is not just about the amount of fertiliser, but also about its exact composition, timing and form of application. In combination with other elements of agricultural technology, it ensures the full development of soybeans and maximum return on each hectare.
Herbicide protection of soya against weeds
Soybeans are among the crops that are particularly vulnerable to weed competition, especially in the early stages of development. Its initial vegetation is slow, and the root system is not strong enough to withstand the pressure of aggressive weeds.
That’s why herbicide crop protection is an integral part of modern soybean cultivation technology, as agrotechnical measures such as tillage, crop rotation, and harvest residues do not have a sufficient effect on controlling unwanted vegetation.
To ensure maximum results, a combination of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides is used. In the pre-emergence phase, it is important to apply specialised products that form a chemical shield on the soil surface.
These include products from Eridon: Tiger, Booster Fast, Meteor Power, Barrier, Buzzin and Start. They are effective against a wide range of dicotyledonous and cereal weeds, suppressing them before they emerge above the soil, which reduces initial competition and provides better starting conditions for soybeans.
At the next stage, when the crop reaches the 3-4 trifoliate leaf stage, post-emergence herbicide treatment is carried out. For this purpose, we use Bentatop and Atlando, which can be used both separately and in tank mixtures.
A mandatory component of such mixtures is Teneris 90 adhesive, which enhances the penetration of the herbicide into weed tissue, especially when it is necessary to suppress overgrown quinoa or other difficult objects. The use of adjuvants significantly increases the effectiveness of the products and reduces the likelihood of repeated herbicide treatments.
In the case of massive growth of cereal weeds, both annual and perennial, graminicides are added to the protection scheme. One of the basic products is Prontovan, which works well with wheatgrass, couch grass, bentgrass and other cereals. It is used with the addition of Teneris 90 to improve its effect. You can also use other graminicides, such as Kletstar or Quistart, depending on the type and stage of weed development.
Timely herbicide protection is not only a guarantee of crop purity, but also an important condition for high yields. Ignoring this stage or using low-quality products can lead to losses not only in yield potential, but also in significant financial resources for weed control in the following phases.
Fungicidal protection of soya against diseases
One of the main reasons for significant losses in soybean yields is the development of fungal and bacterial diseases, which in some years can reduce grain yields by 20-40% or even more. In addition to quantitative losses, the quality of the product also deteriorates significantly: the protein content decreases, the proportion of affected grain increases, and its keeping quality and marketability deteriorate. Diseases are particularly dangerous in years with heavy rainfall or high humidity, when ideal conditions are created for the spread of infections.
To prevent large-scale damage to plants, it is necessary to take preventive measures, regularly monitor the condition of crops and apply fungicides in a timely manner. The most common diseases that pose a serious threat to soybeans are powdery mildew, downy mildew, Septoria, cercospora, white and grey rot, rust, anthracnose, and bacterial infections. These diseases affect not only the leaves but also the stems, beans and seeds, which has a complex effect on the entire biological cycle of the crop.
To increase the effectiveness, mixed treatment schemes are often used, for example, a combination of Veto 250 with Piraclin or Clark. Such combinations have a synergistic effect, which helps to significantly reduce the spread of diseases at critical stages of crop development – from budding to bean filling. It is during this period that plants are particularly vulnerable to damage, and even a slight delay in treatment can lead to serious economic losses.
Fungicide protection in the soybean growing system should be clearly integrated into the overall technological scheme, complementing other measures – from the correct selection of the variety to controlling the density of sowing and balanced nutrition. Only an integrated approach allows us to maintain crop health and realise the genetic potential of the crop.
Acaricidal protection of soya against pests
In the second half of summer, when soybeans are actively growing, most of Ukraine consistently experiences periods of extreme heat, which create ideal conditions for the massive reproduction of spider mites.
This pest poses a serious threat to the crop, especially during the bean formation and filling phase, when soybeans are gaining maximum green mass. During this period, the mites concentrate on the lower part of the leaf, hiding in the web, which makes it difficult to detect and control. Their feeding results in the appearance of characteristic light green dotted spots that quickly turn into discoloured areas, leading to reduced photosynthesis, loss of turgor and premature leaf senescence.
Under favourable conditions, a single mite can produce up to 20 generations per season, which only increases the extent of the damage. In case of untimely response, yield losses can reach 30%, and in some cases – even up to 70-80%.
Catastrophic consequences can only be avoided through constant monitoring of crops and preventive use of acaricides at the first sign of the pest.
The best effect is achieved by early intervention – in the phase of active vegetative development, before the fields are massively populated. Among the most effective protection products are modern products such as Javanto, Hexamite and Sherman, which contain active ingredients with different mechanisms of action, allowing us to control both adults and eggs and larvae.
Javanto combines two active substances – abamectin and spirotetramate – to provide long-lasting protection against both open and latent pests.
Its effect extends to new leaf growth, shoots and the root system. Hexamite, thanks to its hexithiazox, acts translaminearly and is characterised by both contact and stomach activity, which allows it to effectively treat even those parts of the plant where the pest is not visible.
Sherman, based on abamectin, a natural enzyme from the avermectin group, paralyses mites through the nervous system, stopping their feeding and reproduction. The product is also effective against thrips and mining pests.
To increase the effectiveness of treatments, it is important to use acaricides in tank mixtures with adhesives, such as Spray-Aid and Silixan 106, which improve the coverage of the plant surface with the working solution and the retention of the product. It is the right combination of products, processing time and high-quality distribution of the liquid that is crucial in protecting crops from mite damage.
Acaricidal protection in the soybean cultivation system is not an additional element, but a mandatory component of the technology, without which it is impossible to ensure a stable harvest in the second half of the season, especially in hot summer conditions.
Harvesting soya beans
Harvesting soybeans is the final, but one of the most crucial stages in soybean cultivation. A mistake in timing or neglect of field preparation can negate the efforts made throughout the season. The main task of the farmer at this point is to determine the optimal time when the beans are fully ripe but have not yet begun to crack and crumble.
The general condition of the crops and the level of seed moisture should be taken into account. At the beginning of ripening, the moisture content in the beans can reach 45-55%, but harvesting is carried out when it drops to 13-14%.
This indicator indicates the completion of physiological ripening and ensures safe transportation and storage of grain without additional drying. If you go into the field too early, the seeds will be unripe, while a delay of several days can cause losses due to pods opening and crop shedding.
Before harvesting, weeds must be removed, especially in areas with uneven maturity. It is advisable to carry out herbicide desiccation when the moisture content of the least mature beans has dropped below 30%. This facilitates harvesting, reduces the amount of green impurities and ensures even maturation of the plants.
Harvesting is usually carried out with combine harvesters equipped with systems to carefully separate the beans from the pods. During operation, the machine performs three main functions: mowing the soybeans, threshing the pods and transporting the cleaned grain to the hopper. The harvested soybeans are then transferred to special equipment, such as a reloading hopper, from where they are transported to the current or directly to the elevator.
The right timing, well-prepared field and well-tuned machinery are the main prerequisites for a lossless harvest. After all, this stage is not just the end of agrotechnical work, but also the financial result of the entire season.
Mistakes in soybean cultivation
In soybean cultivation, even a single technological error can have a significant impact on yields. Often, problems arise not because of general violations of agricultural technology, but because of underestimating critical points that seem minor at first glance. The most common mistakes come down to three main areas:
- Premature sowing. Soybeans are heat-loving crops and do not tolerate sowing in unheated soil. If sown in cold soil, the seeds lose germination, become vulnerable to disease, and sprout unevenly. It is recommended to sow only after the temperature at the depth of sowing has steadily reached +12…14°C. In many regions, this occurs in late April or early May, sometimes after 10 May.
- Inadequate sowing quality. This includes inadequate planting depth, poor contact of the seeds with the moist soil layer, broken row spacing or excess (or shortfall) of the seeding rate. The same category includes the wrong variety selection – if you do not take into account the maturity group, the plants may not have time to ripen before harvesting or, on the contrary, they will stop developing. All these factors together determine the starting potential of a crop.
- Untimely or unadapted herbicide strategy. When growing conventional (non-GMO) soybeans, it is important to have a flexible herbicide protection scheme. Farmers often either rely on standard programmes without taking into account changes in weather and weed growth stages, or, conversely, do not respond quickly enough to the situation in the field. As a result, weeds can choke out young seedlings or return during the critical period of bean formation.
Success in soybean farming is not just about a good seed drill or a good variety – it’s about precision and attention to detail. Avoiding these three mistakes minimises risks and leads to consistently high results.
