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Soybeans are a legume with very high oil content. They are multi-purpose, used in foods and cooking, commercial applications, and in over 80% of today’s biodiesel.
Soybean & Renewable Energy
- Currently the single-most widely used feedstock in biodiesel production
- Higher oil content and better performance compared to recycled vegetable oil
Production
Soybeans are native to Southeast Asia, but are grown in the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, China and India.
The U.S. is currently the top producer of soybeans, where they are grown primarily in the Midwest and Southeast.
Attributes
- High oil content – ~20% of seed weight
- Grows well in climates with hot summers
- Grows rapidly – 80-120 days from seed to harvest
- Symbiotic nitrogen fixer – improves soil conditions and reduces fertilizer needs
Targeted Growth Soybeans
- Demonstrated, significant yield increases of 20-40%
- By increasing yields of soybeans, Targeted Growth contributes to a more viable, lower cost biodiesel feedstock
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Soybean