Mineral Content and Its Environmental Effect of Soybeans (Glycine Max (L.) Merr.) Cultivated in Argentina.

Around 20% of the world soybean production is grown in Argentina, and it’s mainly destined for exportation to be used for multiple purposes. Argentine soybeans are cultivated under a wide range of environments. The mineral content of the soybeans affect the quality and safety of the end products. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the mineral content of the soybeans were affected by the environment. Two soybean types a non-transgenic food type and a transgenic (Roundup-resistant) widely known in Argentina were used for this study. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete-block design with two replications at each environment. Eight locations from contrasting regions of the Argentinean soybean cropland, two sowing dates, and two consecutive growing seasons were selected. Climatic variables were recorded during the soybean critic period (R5-R7). Soil analyses were also performed. Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Mo, Al, Se, Cd, As, and Pb were determined in the soybeans by ICP-MS. Statistical analysis ANOVA and PLS were accomplished. All mineral elements except for As and Se were found in the soybeans. The environment (defined as location+sawing date+year) was the main source of variation for mineral content. The minerals in soybeans did not significantly differ between sowing dates and growing seasons. Soybeans from Cerro Azul and Reconquista had the highest cations contents. The mean daily air temperature significantly and positively correlated with the content of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co and Pb, in the soybeans. Mo, Cd, Zn, Pb and Ca in the seed and in the soil were both correlated. Additionally, different patterns of mineral accumulation (mainly for minor elements) were observed between the soybeans types amongst the evaluated environments. It can be concluded that not only the soybean type, but also the environment should be considered when a specific soybean product is pursued.