Like any other crop, soybeans require the right fertilizer so that they can produce a good yield and have a healthy appearance. The feeding of soybeans begins with inoculation. Before planting, it is important to dress the soybeans with an excellent inoculant. An inoculant such as Bioma Brady, supplied by Agricrop, is one of the best options for farmers to consider using to treat their seeds before planting. It is a self-sticking inoculant containing live bacteria called Bradyrhizobium Japonicum, which is housed on the roots where nodules form. The bacteria are responsible for initiating nitrogen fixation on the soybean roots, providing the nitrogen necessary for soybean growth and giving them a vibrant dark green colour as well as retaining nutrients to benefit the next crop. After inoculation, it is essential to plant the soybeans within 24 hours; otherwise, re-inoculation will be required if not planted in the stated time. Manure can be incorporated into the program if it is readily available. This will help boost the growth of soybeans and enhance soil activity.
During planting, it is
necessary to apply a fertilizer rich in phosphorus to promote vigorous growth
and good root development in soybean crops. As the phosphorus naturally present
in the soil is not enough, farmers then need to apply additional phosphorus to
ensure robust root growth towards the nutrients. In this case, N.P.K can be
applied or MAP which has a high phosphorus content. It is important to remember
that every crop requires phosphorus for successful establishment. Since the
inoculant applied at planting provides nitrogen to the plant, there is no need
for top dressing in soybeans.
In addition to the basal
application, farmers can supplement the crop with a foliar spray such as V12
Multi, an excellent foliar product containing the much-needed smaller
micronutrients that enhances yields and prevents early abortion of flowers. It
is multipurpose meaning it can be applied during both at the vegetative and
reproductive stages. The recommended application stages for V12 Multi are as
follows:
- The first application should be done two weeks after germination.
- The second application should be applied when the crop begins flowering.
- The third and final application should be done 21 days after the second application.
Effective management and
achieving high yields in soybeans begin with the soil. To make the most of
these fertilizer applications, it is essential to conduct a soil test to
understand the soil's pH requirements, ensure the availability of necessary
nutrients for soybeans to thrive, and achieve excellent results. Stay glued for
the next post, which will cover disease and insect control. The attached
picture shows a soybean farm in southern Zambia, Mazabuka technical assistance
by agronomist H. Kanyimbo. For information on weed control, please refer to the
previous post.
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