Should I fertilize my Soybeans?

[Stvrob]

I treated my Edamame seed with a general purpose inoculant when I planted in Late April, but my plants are only about 12 inches tall and are progressively looking nitrogen deficient. Should I assume the inoculant didn't take and just fertilize them? Or be more patient? Some of them are starting to flower and set pods.

[JamesL]

Stvrob,
I fertilize peas even though I inoculate. I would give them a dose.

[Stvrob]

Thanks James. There is some kind of root nodules, but perhaps they aren't effective with soybeans. I think I will stop trying to grow soy after this year, I haven't had much success over three seasons now.

[HiPoha]

I have soybean seeds bought last year that did well while they were fresh. I still have a half pound of them and this year they are just not growing. My cucumbers are not doing well this year too. Not sure what it could be. I am sure I have prepared my soil well enough for them. Tomatoes and other plants are doing well this year.

[Stvrob]

I wonder, in Hawaii you might need to be extra careful to select a variety adapted to shorter day conditions.

[HiPoha]

Hello Stvrob, yes , here in Hawaii, the mainland varieties don't seem to do well. The soybeans I planted were the Kahala variety that is supposed to grow here. It just seems odd that this year they are not growing. The seeds are only a year old and don't show signs of deterioration. Maybe it is the wrong time to plant or the genetics in them don't like the current weather conditions.

[Stvrob]

I don't know. Did you save any seed from the previous season where you had success? I had seed leftover from last year and it germinated fine.