About Soy Bean Growth

Germination

• Once the soybean seed has been planted, it begins to absorb moisture from the soil. After one or two days, the seed's first root emerges from the seed coat and starts to push downward into the soil. Approximately one week later, the first above ground growth emerges, forming the plant's first proto-leaves, called cotyledons. These cotyledons begin to make food for the plant through the process of photosynthesis, allowing for the plant's first set of true leaves.

Vegetative Growth

• Once the soybean has developed its first leaves, the plant begins to grow more vigorously as it continues to set additional branches and grow towards the sun. As the soybean continues to develop above ground, the plant develops a taproot and a more complex root system. After the soybean has produced six to 10 leaves, it is in its reproductive stage and begins to set flowers. Soybeans are self-pollinating and up to 80 percent of its buds will produce beans.

Where to Plant

• Ideal soil for growing soybeans is a loose, loamy soil. Heavy clay soils are low in humus and organic matter and host few beneficial soil organisms that help soybean plants to develop. Loose soils allow for air movement around the plant's roots. Soybeans need to be in a soil with adequate water-holding capacity. Loamy soils help to reduce weed competition amongst the soybeans and aid in the prevention of erosion. Seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 to 2 inches.

Diseases of Soybeans

• Soybeans can succumb to a disease known as bean pod mosaic virus. Soybeans can contract this disease by way of infected seeds, or more often spread by the bean leaf beetle as it feeds among several soybean plants. Symptoms of the virus include yellow and green blotches evincing a mottled appearance. Use insecticides labeled for bean beetles to treat pest problems. Purchasing varieties of soybeans that are disease resistant and practicing crop rotation can help to eliminate the chance of your soybeans contracting this harmful virus.