Soybean

glycine max

Also known as: ["soy","soja"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Glycine Category: Fruits

Overview

A leguminous plant cultivated for its edible bean, which has numerous uses in food and industrial applications.

Benefits & Perks

["edible fruits","medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Glycine
Botanical Name: Glycine max

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Fruits
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Edible Gardeners Collectors & Enthusiasts Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Loamy, fertile soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed; typically light pruning after harvest or flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for seasonal variations to prevent scorching.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; provide shade during peak summer hours; ensure proper ventilation in indoor settings.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or poor germination may indicate poor soil conditions or improper care.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

easy

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plants for even light exposure; use reflective surfaces to enhance light; monitor for signs of sunburn.

Watering

every 5–7 days during active growth, less frequently in dormancy

Water thoroughly until runoff; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content

pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Test soil pH annually; amend with lime if too acidic; ensure good aeration.

Temperature

Optimal range: 70–85°F (21–29°C); prefers warm, stable conditions; sensitive to frost.

Use shade cloth in extreme heat; protect from frost; maintain consistent temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 2–4 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply to moist soil to prevent root burn; avoid fertilizing stressed plants.

Propagation

Methods

Seed propagation is most common; can also be propagated via stem cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Sow seeds 1 inch deep.
  2. Keep moist.
  3. Thin seedlings.
  4. Or take cuttings, apply hormone, and place in medium.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and stable.

Environment

Warm (75–85°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining seed-starting mix or perlite and peat moss blend.

Hormone

Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone can aid stem cuttings.

Timeline

Seeds germinate in 7–14 days; stem cuttings root in 2–4 weeks.

Tools Needed

Seed trays, pots, pruners, rooting hormone, misting bottle.

Quick Tips

Use fresh seeds for best germination; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster germination.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip off dead or yellowing leaves; trim back overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or diseased foliage to improve air circulation.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased parts; avoid over-pruning; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter).

Method

Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Generally not required for field-grown soybeans; container-grown plants may need repotting every 2 years.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring even saturation of the root zone; allow excess water to drain freely; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water precisely to the root zone.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite for drainage; use cover crops to enrich soil.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis, stunted growth, bud drop, or leaf necrosis.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth, reduce photosynthesis, and can lead to frost damage or death.

Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., row covers); avoid planting in late fall or early spring; ensure soil is well-drained to prevent cold waterlogging.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat causes wilting, leaf scorch, reduced yield, and flower abortion.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply to soil; avoid foliage contact.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Glycine max may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be caused by diseases like bacterial blight or viral infections, affecting overall plant health and productivity.

Wilting in Glycine max is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root damage from pathogens like Fusarium or Pythium, which can lead to reduced growth and yield.

Leaf spots on Glycine max are frequently caused by fungal pathogens such as Cercospora or bacterial infections, which can reduce photosynthetic efficiency and lead to premature leaf drop.

Rotting in Glycine max, particularly root or stem rot, is commonly caused by soil-borne pathogens like Phytophthora or Rhizoctonia, leading to plant death if not managed.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Soybeans are not considered toxic to cats when consumed in moderation and properly prepared. They can be a source of protein in cat diets.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Introduce soy products gradually into a cat's diet to avoid digestive upset.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Soybeans are not considered toxic to dogs when consumed in moderation and properly prepared. They can be a source of protein in dog diets.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Introduce soy products gradually into a dog's diet to avoid digestive upset.
Humans
Non-toxic

Glycine max, commonly known as soybean, is a widely cultivated legume that is a major source of protein and oil in human diets. It is generally considered non-toxic when consumed in typical culinary preparations.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Ensure proper preparation and cooking to avoid potential anti-nutritional factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is soybean safe for human consumption?

A: Yes, soybeans are safe for human consumption when properly cooked, but raw soybeans contain toxins that can cause digestive issues.

Q: Can soybeans be grown in containers?

A: Yes, soybeans can be grown in containers, but they require adequate space for root development and sufficient sunlight.

Q: What are the main uses of soybeans?

A: Soybeans are primarily used for food (tofu, soy milk, edamame), animal feed, and industrial products like biofuels and plastics.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 5–7 days during active
Suitable For: ["edible gardeners","collectors/enthusiasts","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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