Significance

• Since soybeans grow best in soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0, fertilizers high in lime are often applied. However, it may take four to seven years before the benefits of adding lime are evident.
  
  

Identification

• Another important nutrient for soybeans is iron, especially in soils with high pH levels. Soils with large amounts of calcium carbonates also tend to need fertilizers with iron. Unlike lime, treating an iron deficiency can be difficult.
  
  

Considerations

• Sometimes soybeans suffer from zinc deficiency, although this rare. However, it does occur in places with sandy soil. Luckily, using fertilizers rich with zinc can correct any deficiencies.