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Soybean: Maharashtra's Key Oilseed Crop

Soybean is a major oilseed crop in Maharashtra, playing a vital role in transforming the rural economy and improving the economic and social status of farmers. Over the past two decades, soybean cultivation has seen significant achievements in terms of area and production. In the year 2019-20, approximately 3.7 million hectares were cultivated with soybean in Maharashtra, yielding 3.9 million metric tons.

Impact of Rainfall During the Kharif 2020 Season

During the Kharif 2020 season, heavy rainfall in October and November, when soybeans were ready for harvesting, resulted in wet seeds. If these wet seeds are used for sowing in the upcoming Kharif 2021 season, germination rates may decrease. Therefore, farmers are advised to produce high-quality seeds themselves by following advanced techniques.

Essential Points for Soybean Seed Production During the Summer Season

1. Land

Medium to heavy soils are suitable for soybean cultivation. Light soils do not yield the expected results for soybean. Avoid cultivating in excessively acidic, alkaline, and sandy soils. The soil should have a good amount of organic matter.

2. Climate

Soybean crops are sensitive to sunlight and thrive in temperate climates. During the summer season, the growth phase of the crop may be slightly longer. Soybean grows well at temperatures between 22°C and 30°C, but if the temperature exceeds 35°C, flowers and pods may drop, and the seed size may reduce.

3. Varieties

Use seeds with a minimum germination capacity of 70%. The following varieties are recommended for sowing:

• Developed by VNMKV, Parbhani: MAUS 71, MAUS 158, MAUS 612
• Developed by MPKV, Rahuri: KDS 726, KDS 753
• Developed by JNKVV, Jabalpur: JS 335, JS 93-05, JS 20-29, JS 20-69, JS 20-116

If farmers planted these varieties in Kharif 2020 and the germination capacity is good, use these seeds after proper cleaning and seed treatment.

4. Land Preparation

After harvesting the Kharif crop, plow the field and then level it using a harrow.

5. Seed Treatment, Sowing, Fertilizers, and Intercultivation

• Seed Treatment: Soybean is susceptible to various diseases that can cause significant losses. For disease management, treat seeds with Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% (commercial name: Vitavax Power) at 3 grams per kilogram of seed before sowing. This provides protection against collar rot, charcoal rot, and other diseases. Additionally, treat the seeds with Trichoderma viride (8-10 grams/kg seed) and then with Rhizobium and PSB at 250 grams per 10 kilograms of seed or 100 ml/10 kg (if in liquid form).

• Sowing Time: For seed production during the summer season, sow between the last week of December and the first fortnight of January. Delayed sowing can result in flower and pod drop due to high temperatures in March and April. If the minimum temperature is below 10°C in the last week of December, postpone sowing until the temperature reaches 15°C. Germination can take 10-12 days in low temperatures.

• Spacing and Method: Sow soybeans at a spacing of 45 x 5 cm and at a depth of 2.5 to 3.0 cm. Ensure seeds are not sown too deep to facilitate proper germination.

• Seed Rate: Use 65 kg of seed per hectare (26 kg per acre).

• Fertilizers:

  • Organic Fertilizer/Compost: Apply 20 cartloads (5 tons) of well-decomposed organic manure or compost per hectare and mix it well into the soil.
  • Chemical Fertilizers: Apply 30 kg nitrogen, 60 kg phosphorus, 30 kg potash, and 20 kg sulfur per hectare at the time of sowing. Ensure fertilizers are applied below the seeds and do not come into direct contact. Sulfur is crucial for soybean, and also apply 25 kg zinc sulfate and 10 kg borax per hectare. Conduct two sprays of potassium nitrate at 100 grams per 10 liters of water at 35 and 55 days. If the crop turns yellow due to micronutrient deficiency, spray 50-75 ml per 10 liters of water when the crop is 20-25 days old. At the pod-filling stage, spray 100 grams of 19:19:19 fertilizer per 10 liters of water and at the pod-filling stage, spray 100 grams of 0:52:34 fertilizer per 10 liters of water. Use one of the following fertilizer combinations:

  No.	Fertilizers per Hectare
  1	Urea (40 kg) + 10:26:26 (115 kg) + Single Super Phosphate (187.5 kg)
  2	Urea (65 kg) + Single Super Phosphate (375 kg) + Muriate of Potash (50 kg)
  3	10:15:15 (200 kg) + Single Super Phosphate (187.5 kg)
  4	18:18:10 (166 kg) + Single Super Phosphate (187.5 kg) + Muriate of Potash (23.33 kg)

• Intercultivation: Perform two hoeings (first at 15-20 days and second at 30-35 days) and one weeding to keep the field weed-free. Avoid hoeing after flowering to prevent root damage.

• Irrigation: Water the field with a sprinkler before sowing and then sow the seeds. Due to low temperatures, germination may take 10-12 days. For good germination, apply light irrigation 5 days after sowing. During January and February, irrigate every 10-12 days, and in March and April, every 8-10 days. Soybean is sensitive to water stress during the pod-setting, flowering, and pod-filling stages, so irrigate accordingly.

6. Pest and Disease Control

Soybean crops can be affected by pests such as aphids, whiteflies, leaf beetles, mealybugs, and blue beetles. For pest control, spray 5% neem extract. Use chemical insecticides if necessary. Diseases such as yellow mosaic, collar rot, root rot, charcoal rot, purple stem blotch, rust, and leaf blight can affect soybeans. Take appropriate measures for disease control.

7. Maturity, Harvesting, and Processing

• Maturity: Soybean pods are ready for harvesting when they turn golden brown and the seeds inside are fully developed. The moisture content of the crop at this stage is around 12-14%.

• Harvesting: Uproot the plants and dry them in the shade. Thresh the pods manually or use a thresher machine.

• Processing: Clean the seeds thoroughly and dry them in the shade. Once dried, store the seeds at 10-12% moisture content. Follow proper storage techniques to ensure the seeds remain viable.