Management and Production Potential of Value‐Added Soybean Cultivars in South Central USA

Growth of value‐added commodities, especially high‐protein and tofu soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.], may offer a profitable option for growers faced with the decline in traditional crops in the south central region of the USA. There is limited information on the production potential and management options necessary for optimal production of value‐added soybean crops in this region. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine the production potential of value‐added soybean cultivars in the south central region, and (ii) to evaluate various management options for optimal production in this area. Three tofu‐type and three high‐protein soybean cultivars were compared with commodity‐type (check) soybean cultivars under various N and plant density treatments over 4 location/years. Yield and yield component data were collected including seed protein and oil concentrations. Both high protein and tofu‐type soybean cultivars had comparable yields and generally greater protein concentrations and larger seed size (tofu‐type soybean) than an equivalent check cultivar. The exceptions were cultivars that had, on average, a greater than 10% higher protein concentration than the check cultivar. These higher protein cultivars generally yielded less than other value‐added soybean cultivars or the standard check cultivar. The value‐added soybean cultivars responded well to management practices currently being used to grow standard commodity cultivars. Neither change in plant population density nor late‐season fertilizer applications was necessary to maintain total yield and yield components at a level equivalent to the check cultivar. There is good production potential of value‐added soybean cultivars in the south central region, even when grown with current equipment and management practices utilized for commodity soybean crop production.