Sustainable soybean-based cropping systems: A comprehensive review of organic, natural, and integrated crop management practices

Soybean is a vital crop globally, providing a significant source of protein and oil. However, conventional soybean production practices have raised concerns about environmental sustainability, soil health, and economic viability. This review aims to synthesize the current state of knowledge on sustainable crop management practices for soybean-based cropping systems, focusing on organic, natural, and integrated techniques. We examined various studies and research papers on organic, natural, and integrated crop management practices, including crop rotation, cover cropping, organic amendments, conservation tillage, and integrated pest management. Our analysis reveals that these sustainable practices can enhance soil health, improve crop productivity, and reduce environmental degradation. Organic crop management practices, such as the use of organic amendments and cover cropping, were found to improve soil fertility, structure, and biodiversity. Natural crop management practices, including crop rotation and conservation tillage, reduced soil erosion, improved water retention, and promoted beneficial microorganisms. Integrated crop management practices, which combine multiple sustainable techniques, showed the most promising results, with significant improvements in crop yields, soil health, and economic returns. Our review highlights the potential of sustainable crop management practices to transform soybean production, making it more environmental friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible. We identify knowledge gaps and areas for future research, including the need for more location-specific studies, long-term experiments, and economic analyses.