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Glycine max
  • Soya Bean

an annual member of the Glycine genus in the family Leguminosae.

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • Green manure
    Green manure
    There are no details available for this function.
  • Nitrogen fixer
    Nitrogen fixer
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • no shade
    No shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Loamy
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 8
    Zone 8
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Glycine max has 0 edible uses listed
Glycine max has 0 material uses listed
Glycine max has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

The raw mature seed is toxic and must be thoroughly cooked before being eaten[1]. The sprouted raw seed is sometimes eaten and is considered to be a wholesome food.

Edible uses

Notes

Mature seed - cooked[2][3]. The seeds furnish one of the world's most important sources of oil and protein, they can be eaten as they are in soups, stews etc[4][5], though they are also very commonly used in the preparation of various meat substitutes[6][7]. The dried seed can be ground into a flour and added to cereal flours or used for making noodles etc[4]. The Japanese make a powder from the roasted and ground seed, it is called 'Kinako' and has a nutty flavour and fragrance - it is used in many popular confections[4]. The sprouted seed is eaten raw or added to cooked dishes. The toasted seeds can be eaten as a peanut-like snack[4]. The seed is also made into numerous fermented foods such as miso and tempeh[4] and is also used to make soya milk, a valuable protein supplement in infant feeding which also provides curds and cheese[5]. The seed contains 20% oil and 30 - 45% protein[8]. All seeds on a soybean plant mature at essentially the same time. Maturity of the seed is accompanied by a rapid dropping of the leaves and drying of the stems[5]. Average yield of beans is about 1700 kg/ha[5]. High-yielding cvs, adapted to the locality and grown under proper culture and favourable conditions will yield more than twice the average yield[5].

The immature seed is cooked and used like peas or eaten raw in salads[9][4]. The strongly roasted and ground seeds are used as a coffee substitute[4]. The young seedpods are cooked and used like French beans[10][4]. An edible semi-drying oil is obtained from the seed[5]. It is cooked or can be used as a dressing in salads etc and for manufacture of margarine and shortening[6][4][5].

Young leaves - raw or cooked[11][4].

Unknown part

Coffee
Milk
Oil

Leaves

Unknown use

Seed

Unknown use

Seedpod

Unknown use

Material uses

The seed contains up to 20% of an edible semi-drying oil[12][5]. It is non-drying according to another report[13]. This oil has a very wide range of applications and is commonly used in the chemical industry[12][14]. The oil is used industrially in the manufacture of paints, linoleum, oilcloth, printing inks, soap, insecticides, and disinfectants[6][7][8][5].

Lecithin phospholipids, obtained as a by-product of the oil industry, are used as a wetting and stabilizing agent in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, leather, paint, plastic, soap, and detergent industries[5]. Both the meal and the soy bean protein are used in the manufacture of synthetic fibre, adhesives, textile sizing, waterproofing, fire-fighting foam and many other uses[5]. The plant is sometimes grown as a green manure[5]. The straw can be used to make paper, stiffer than that made from wheat straw[5].

The plant is an excellent source of biomass. The oil from the seeds can be used as a diesel fuel whilst the stems can be burnt as a fuel[5].

Unknown part

Biomass
Oil
Paper

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The fermented seed is weakly diaphoretic and stomachic[15]. It is used in the treatment of colds, fevers and headaches, insomnia, irritability and a stuffy sensation in the chest[15].

The bruised leaves are applied to snakebite[16]. The flowers are used in the treatment of blindness and opacity of the cornea[16]. The ashes of the stems are applied to granular haemorrhoids or fungus growths on the anus[16]. The immature seedpods are chewed to a pulp and applied to corneal and smallpox ulcers[16]. The seed is antidote[16]. It is considered to be specific for the healthy functioning of bowels, heart, kidney, liver and stomach[16][5]. The seed sprouts are constructive, laxative and resolvent[16]. They show an oestrogen-like activity in the body and are also antispasmodic[17].The sprous are used in the treatment of oedema, dysuria, chest fullness, decreased perspiration, the initial stages of flu and arthralgia[15]. A decoction of the bark or root is astringent[18][5]. Soybean diets are valued for treating acidosis[5]. Since soybean oil has a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acid, it is recommended, like safflower, poppy seed, etc. to combat hypercholesteremia[5]. Commercial grades of natural lecithin, which are often derived from soybean, are reported to contain a potent vasopressor. Medicinally lecithin is indicated as a lipotropic agent[5].

Soybean is listed as a major starting material for stigmasterol, once known as an antistiffness factor. Sitosterol, also a soy by-product, has been used to replace diosgenin in some antihypertensive drugs[5].

Unknown part

Antidote
Astringent
Diaphoretic
Laxative
Ophthalmic
Resolvent
Stomachic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Green manure


Nitrogen fixer

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a greenhouse. The seed should germinate within two weeks at a temperature between 12 - 16°c[14]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Seed can also be pre-soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then sown in situ in late spring, though this will not yield well unless the summer is very hot.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Glycine max. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

A fairly easily-grown plant, it grows best in a sunny position on fertile, well-drained soils[3][19], but does tolerate a wide range of soil conditions[5]. Soybeans will brow better than many crops on soils that are low in fertility, droughty or poorly drained[5]. Prefers a well-drained sandy soil[20]. Prefers a slightly acid soil[21][14]. Soya does not grow well in a wet climate[22], nor will it withstand excessive heat or severe cold winters[5]. The plant has been reported to tolerate an annual precipitation in the range of 31 to 410cm (though it requires at least 50cm for a good crop), an annual mean temperature range of 5.9 to 27°C and a pH in the range of 4.3 to 8.4 (preferring 6 - 6.5)[5].

Soya is one of the most widely cultivated plants in the world, being grown for its oil and protein rich edible seed, there are many named varieties[4][14][5]. A subtropical plant, but its cultivation extends from the tropics to as far north as latitude 52°N[5]. The species, and most of its cultivars, is a short-day plant and does not flower or set seed unless the daylight hours are less than 13 hours per day[5]. There are three basic types of soya bean, those with green seeds are considered to be the most tender and best flavoured and are the type best suited for northern climates. Black seeded forms are normally used dried and yellow seeded forms are used for making soya milk, flour etc[14]. The plant requires a hot summer with a mean July temperature between 16 and 18°c[14] and a dry autumn if it is to do well in Britain[20][3], though it is as hardy as the runner bean, Phaseolus coccineus[20]. The best crops outdoors in Britain are obtained if the plants are started off in a greenhouse and planted out in late spring although a direct sowing outdoors in early May can succeed in good summers but yields will then normally be low. Many cultivars will not flower in the shorter days of late summer in the northern hemisphere and so are not suitable for growing in Britain[14]. Some botanists separate the cultivated forms of soya from this species and call them G. soja. Sieb.&Zucc[21].

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[21]. Soybean soils must contain the proper nitrogen-fixing bacteria. When grown on the same land for 2 - 3 successive years, increasing yields are obtained year after year[5]. Seed can be purchased that has been treated with this rhizobium, it is unnecessary on soils with a pH below 5.5 but can be helpful on other soils[14]. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Glycine max. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Glycine max
Genus
Glycine
Family
Leguminosae
Imported References
Edible uses
[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]
Medicinal uses
[15][16][5][17][18]
Material uses & Functions
[12][5][13][14][6][7][8]
Botanic
[23][21]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Green manure, Nitrogen fixer
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
8
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    annual
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    0.6 x meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Insects
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

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    "image:CDC edamame.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:CDC edamame.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:CDC edamame.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:CDC edamame.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:CDC edamame.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:CDC edamame.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:CDC edamame.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:CDC edamame.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:CDC edamame.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:CDC edamame.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:CDC edamame.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Organ. J. Rare Vegetables for Garden and Table. Faber (1960-00-00)
    4. ? 4.004.014.024.034.044.054.064.074.084.094.104.11 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    5. ? 5.005.015.025.035.045.055.065.075.085.095.105.115.125.135.145.155.165.175.185.195.205.215.225.235.245.255.265.275.285.295.30 Duke. J. Handbook of Energy Crops - (1983-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.4 Harrison. S. Wallis. M. Masefield. G. The Oxford Book of Food Plants. Oxford University Press (1975-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.3 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press ISBN 0192176218 (1969-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Oriental Herbs and Vegetables, Vol 39 No. 2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden (1986-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Reid. B. E. Famine Foods of the Chiu-Huang Pen-ts'ao. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre (1977-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.2 Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press (1952-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 Schery. R. W. Plants for Man. ()
    14. ? 14.014.114.214.314.414.514.614.714.8 Larkcom J. Oriental Vegetables John Murray ISBN 0-7195-4781-4 (1991-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.115.215.3 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
    16. ? 16.016.116.216.316.416.516.616.7 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.1 Medicinal Plants in the Republic of Korea World Health Organisation, Manila ISBN 92 9061 120 0 (1998-00-00)
    18. ? 18.018.1 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
    19. ? Simmons A. E. Simmons' Manual of Fruit. David & Charles. ISBN 0-7153-7607-1 (1978-00-00)
    20. ? 20.020.120.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    21. ? 21.021.121.221.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    22. ? Bianchini. F., Corbetta. F. and Pistoia. M. Fruits of the Earth. ()
    23. ? Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution (1965-00-00)

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    Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Glycine_max&oldid=77561"
    Facts about "Glycine max"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyLeguminosae +
    Belongs to genusGlycine +
    Functions asGreen manure + and Nitrogen fixer +
    Has common nameSoya Bean +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partUnknown part +, Leaves +, Seeds + and Seedpod +
    Has edible useCoffee substitute +, Unknown use +, Milk + and Oil +
    Has fertility typeInsects +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone8 +
    Has imageCDC edamame.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typeAnnual +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useBiomass +, Oil + and Paper +
    Has mature height0.6 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntidote +, Astringent +, Diaphoretic +, Laxative +, Ophthalmic +, Resolvent + and Stomachic +
    Has primary imageCDC edamame.jpg +
    Has search nameglycine max + and x +
    Has shade toleranceNo shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
    Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomy nameGlycine max +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +