ABSTRACT
As China’s population has grown, soybean has been a major source of protein and vegetable oil for the populace. Soybean cultivation can also extend soil fertility, reduce insect damage to other crops, spread out the annual use patterns of China’s abundant labor, and provide by-products for animal feeding. Traditionally, China was self-sufficient in soybean production, and exported large amounts from the northeastern provinces. Soybeans are grown throughout China and are found in an astonishing array of cropping patterns. Price policies have been shown to be an effective stimulus to soybean output. The continued growth of China’s population and per capita income will increase the demand for the soybean oil and oilmeal which come from such plants.
