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Soybean (Conventional, Forage)

Soybean (Conventional, Forage)

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Soybean (Glycine max) is a high-protein legume commonly grown for human and livestock consumption, but it also serves as a valuable food source for wildlife. The plant provides high-nutrient forage in the form of leaves, seeds, and pods, benefiting a wide range of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. As a legume, it also improves soil nitrogen levels, making it beneficial for crop rotations or wildlife habitat restoration.

Benefits for Wildlife

High-protein food source – Soybeans are rich in protein, making them an excellent choice for attracting deer, turkey, quail, and small mammals.
Seed production – Soybean seeds are especially attractive to wildlife in late summer and fall when the pods mature.
Shelter and cover – The plant’s dense foliage provides cover for wildlife, especially in more open or transitional habitats.
Pollinator support – The flowers of soybeans also attract bees and other pollinators, benefiting the surrounding ecosystem.

Planting Guidelines for Soybean

  • Planting Times:

    • Best planted in late spring to early summer (May to June) when the soil temperature reaches around 60–70°F for optimal germination.
  • Seeding Depth:

    • 1–1.5 inches deep is ideal for soybean seeds to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
  • Seeding Rates:

    • Drilled: 60–80 lbs per acre, depending on soil type and desired plant density.
    • Broadcast: 80–100 lbs per acre for good coverage, ensuring seeds are lightly covered with soil.
  • Days to Maturity:

    • Soybeans typically take 90–150 days to mature, depending on the variety and environmental conditions.
  • Height at Maturity:

    • Soybean plants generally reach 2–4 feet tall, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
  • Drought Tolerance:

    • Moderate – While soybeans are relatively drought-tolerant once established, they perform best with regular moisture, especially during flowering and pod-setting stages.
  • Saturated Soil Tolerance:

    • Low to moderate – Soybeans do not tolerate waterlogged soil well, preferring well-drained, loamy soils.
  • Shade Tolerance:

    • Low – Soybeans require full sun for optimal growth and seed production.

Fertilization Guidelines for Soybean

  • Soil pH:

    • Soybeans prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, with an optimal pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.
  • Fertilizer Needs:

    • Soybeans are nitrogen-fixing legumes, meaning they do not require significant nitrogen fertilization, but may benefit from phosphorus and potassium to support healthy growth and seed production.
    • Fertilizer application should be based on soil test results. Typical applications may include 30–50 lbs of phosphorus per acre and 30–50 lbs of potassium per acre.

Timing:

  • Apply fertilizers before planting or during early vegetative growth, and consider using a starter fertilizer for enhanced early growth.

Herbicide Use for Soybean

  • Weed Control:

    • Herbicide application is essential for managing weeds, especially during early growth stages.
    • Pre-emergence herbicides, such as metolachlor or pendimethalin, can be applied to prevent weed growth before soybeans emerge.
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Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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H
Hunter
Growing good

Used as a extra fill in for a food plot.I added some inoculate to the seed .about a week or two later growing good

t
tkr
Food plot

Great germination rate. Deer came in from everywhere.