By Blake Jackson
New research from Kentucky State University suggests that late-season nitrogen fertilization can increase soybean seed protein levels without reducing the crop’s nutritional or industrial quality. The findings provide valuable information for producers looking to improve soybean value while maintaining seed performance.
The study, led by former Research Associate Deepak Khatri, was published in Frontiers in Plant Science. Dr. Anuj Chiluwal, assistant professor of agronomy and principal investigator of the Agronomy Lab, served as the corresponding author, with additional contributions from Sudip Poudel, Manish Pandit, and former lab member Lalit Pun Magar.
The research builds on an earlier study showing that late-season nitrogen applications can boost soybean protein concentration. This latest project examined whether higher protein levels would affect amino acid composition or oil quality.
“We already knew from our earlier study that late-season nitrogen can boost protein concentration,” Khatri said.
“The next question was whether this increase comes with any trade-offs in protein or oil quality. That is exactly what we set out to investigate.”
Researchers conducted a two-year field trial at Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, evaluating 10 essential amino acids and five major fatty acids in soybean seeds.
Nitrogen applied at 80 kilograms per hectare increased the concentration of seven essential amino acids while also raising oleic acid levels by about 5%, an improvement associated with greater oil stability.
The study found that sulfur-containing amino acids, including methionine and cysteine, did not increase with nitrogen treatment, indicating that additional management strategies will be needed to improve those nutrients.
“The key takeaway is that late-season nitrogen fertilization can improve protein concentration without negatively impacting protein or oil quality,” Dr. Chiluwal said.
“This gives producers confidence that adopting this practice will not compromise the nutritional or industrial value of their soybean crop.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-gilaxia
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Soybeans, Education