Soybeans: a strategic pillar for global and Brazilian agribusiness
Soybeans are a driving force behind global agribusiness. Their relevance goes beyond that of a common grain: this legume is one of the most important sources of protein, both for animal feed — vital for livestock farming — and for human consumption. Soybeans are the source of essential products such as vegetable oil, milk, tofu, textured protein, and meal, a versatile ingredient used to enrich bread and cakes. In addition, soybeans are used in biofuel production and serve as an input in the manufacturing of paints and even cosmetics, demonstrating their versatility.
Brazil’s position reflects the importance of this crop, having established itself as the world’s largest producer. In 2025, the soybean and biodiesel production chain solidified its place as one of the pillars of our economy, contributing 21.1% of the agricultural sector’s GDP and 6.1% of national GDP. This growth was driven by a record harvest of 170.3 million tons of soybeans and increasing industrial processing of the grain. This result had a significant social impact, generating 2.3 million jobs in the second quarter.
Soybean nutrition is essential for productivity and quality
Efficient nutritional management, with the strategic use of fertilizers, is crucial to ensuring good soybean production results. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are vital to the crop, playing crucial roles in healthy plant growth and development. Balanced fertilization not only provides a vigorous initial start and the formation of robust roots, but also strengthens the plant against stress and deficiencies and maximizes harvest yield.
Main nutritional deficiencies in soybeans
Nitrogen is fundamental to soybean growth and development, especially at planting, to provide a faster start for the plant. It is needed for the formation of proteins, chlorophyll, and other molecules important to plant metabolism.
A lack of nitrogen makes plants more susceptible to diseases and pests; it can affect the absorption of other nutrients, such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; and it reduces the plant’s ability to carry out photosynthesis, resulting in lower sugar production and, consequently, less growth and productivity.
Common symptoms of nitrogen deficiency in soybeans:
Yellowing of older leaves (leaf chlorosis).
Slow development.
Reduced leaf size.
Fewer pods.
Low seed production.
Thinner, weaker stems.
Poorly developed nodules.
Recommended product
Croplex®
A versatile product that can be used at different stages of planting, depending on the crop, ensuring a fast start and steady growth.
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