Evaluation of soybean based cropping systems: A review

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important oilseed and protein crop grown globally. However, average soybean productivity in India is low primarily due to predominant cultivation as kharif rainfed crop. Inclusion of soybean in different seasonal/intercropping systems may help diversify existing cropping systems and optimize productivity. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate research on soybean-based cropping systems. Studies published between 2000-2024 reporting evaluation of seasonal (kharif/rabi) cropping systems and intercropping systems involving soybean were selected. Key findings from relevant studies were extracted and summarized. Results indicated that soybean grown as a rabi or summer crop with applied irrigation performed better than kharif crop in terms of seed yield, Soybean-wheat/chickpea intercropping systems were found remunerative with higher land equivalent ratio and benefit: cost ratio compared to respective monocropping. Strip cropping of soybean with maize/sorghum helped realize 7-15% higher returns than normal planting. The review highlighted potential of including soybean as a seasonal/intercrop to diversify existing cropping systems and optimize resource use for enhanced productivity and income of farmers.