Improved cultivation practices for soybean

摘要

Soybean is one of the most important kharif crops, which can play a great role in crop diversification. Moreover, growing of this crop helps in sustaining soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen through the nodules on the roots of the plant in association with specific Rhizobia. Besides having 40-42 per cent high quality protein content, soybean contains 18-22 per cent of oil. It also contains fibre, tocopherols, lecithin, vitamins, minerals, protease inhibitors, saponins, terpenes etc., whichare beneficial for the human health. It has many uses as edible oil, soymilk, soy paneer (tofu), bakery products, antibiotics, fresh green beans and flour etc. It can help to combat the problem of malnutrition in the country. Consumption of soybean helpsto fight diabetes, breast cancer, heart ailments, osteoporosis etc. In addition to these, soybean helps to control blood pressure and cholesterol also. To have a bumper crop of soybean, the following recommended package of technologies should be adopted.