1 - The importance of soybean production worldwide

Abstract

Interest in the impact of agriculture on soil structure or changing soil species makeup has increased. Due to its major position as one of the more important crops, more research into soybean (Glycine max L. (Merr)) management can contribute to better understanding of its production. With respect to the importance of soybean production worldwide, its production must be evaluated from different perspectives including its symbiosis with soil microbes. Soybean is an important source of food, protein, and oil, and hence more research is essential to increase its yield under different conditions, including stress. The most important countries of the world with the highest rate of soybean production include the USA, Brazil, Argentina, China, and India. Many crop species including soybean are found associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia. However, other beneficial rhizospheric microorganisms have also been tested, applied, and used as biofertilizers. Microbial interactions may have important functions in soybean production and health. It is also important to evaluate the abiotic factors which interact with the growth and yield of this crop. This chapter explores the current available information relevant to the benefits of soybean production worldwide. Among the major factors affecting the production of soybean is the appropriate use of inocula. Better knowledge of the wide variation in abiotic/biotic parameters is important for understanding the ecology of the soybean system and for management purposes. Evaluation of soybean production, worldwide, can improve our understanding relative to the effects of different factors affecting the growth and yield of soybean globally.