By Scout Nelson
Soybeans rank as the fourth most cultivated crop globally, widely used for food and animal feed. In 2023, South Dakota produced 223,080,000 bushels valued at over $2.76 billion (about $8 per person in the US). USDA projections indicate a 22% increase in global soybean trade, driven by growing populations and the use of biodiesel from soybean oil.
South Dakota State University (SDSU) researchers are focusing on improving soybean productivity and value. One significant aspect is the plant’s ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, reducing input costs and management needs.
However, high-yield varieties often require additional synthetic fertilizers due to insufficient nitrogen during late growth stages, which can harm soil health.
SDSU researchers Senthil Subramanian and Bhanu Petla propose delaying the maturity of root nodules to sustain biological nitrogen fixation throughout the soybean’s reproductive stages. This innovation could maintain high yields without synthetic fertilizers.
Their research aims to identify or create soybean varieties with enhanced nitrogen-fixing capabilities through genome editing, specifically using CRISPR technology.
They will explore genetic variations affecting hormone levels that influence nodule formation and maturity. By testing over 1,000 genomes, they hope to develop elite soybean cultivars with improved nitrogen fixation.
The project will proceed in three phases, enhancing understanding of hormone responses in root nodule development and overall soybean growth. This research promises to boost yields and reduce soil nitrogen depletion, benefiting farmers and the environment.
Photo Credit: istock-ds70
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Soybeans, General