Soybean cultivars with high phosphorus efficiency yield higher and healthier crops.
Soybean plants need phosphorus to grow well. Scientists compared different soybean types to see how they use phosphorus for photosynthesis. They found that soybeans that are good at using phosphorus make more seeds and grow better, even when there isn't much phosphorus in the soil. These efficient soybeans have stronger photosynthesis, more protein, and better yields. The best time for photosynthesis in soybeans is when they are making pods. Efficient soybeans keep growing well even with low phosphorus levels because they can absorb more phosphorus from the soil.