The soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most important food plants of the world, and seems to be growing in
importance. It is an annual crop, fairly easy to grow, that produces more protein and oil per unit of land than
almost any other crop. It is a versatile food plant that, used in its various forms, is capable of supplying most
nutrients. It can substitute for meat and to some extent for milk. It is a crop capable of reducing protein
malnutrition. In addition, soybeans are a source of high value animal feed.