What nutrients do soybeans primarily add to the soil?

Soybeans primarily contribute nitrogen to the soil through a process called nitrogen fixation. This process occurs thanks to symbiotic relationships between the soybean plant's roots and specific bacteria known as rhizobia. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, enriching the soil with nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient that promotes healthy plant growth and development.

While phosphorus, potassium, and calcium are also important nutrients for plant health, they are not primarily added to the soil by soybeans. Instead, crops like soybeans enhance the nitrogen content, which can significantly benefit subsequent crops in a rotation system, ultimately improving soil fertility. This natural fertilization occurs without the need for synthetic fertilizers, making soybeans particularly valuable in sustainable agricultural practices.