Introduction

Soya bean and soybean are common names for Glycine max L. Merr, an annual legume belonging to the Fabaceae family. The species originates from Asia, but is cultivated worldwide, with annual production projected to reach 371 million tons by 2030.  Soya beans are classified as oilseeds, but also provide an important protein source for both human and animal consumption. Soybeans are a complete protein source, providing all eight amino acids essential for human health.

Like other legumes, G. max requires low inputs of nitrogen fertilizer.G. max has root nodules that support nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which convert inaccessible atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia, a form readily accessible to plants.  Nodulation by the bacteria,Bradyrhizobia japonicum, provides 50-75% of the nitrogen needed to support soybean production.