https://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJARD 29 editor@iaeme.com International Journal of Agriculture Research and Development (IJARD) Volume 5, Issue 2, July-December 2024, pp. 29-33, Article ID: IJARD_05_02_002 Available online at https://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJARD?Volume=5&Issue=2 ISSN Online: 2295-5303, Journal ID: 6164-7747 Impact Factor (2024): 9.45 (Based on Google Scholar Citation) © IAEME Publication SOIL ALGAL FLORA OF SOYABEAN GLYCINE MAX (L.) MERR. FIELDS M.N. Sonawane and S. M. Talekar P.G. Department and Research Center of Botany, Mrs. K. S. K. College, Beed, Dist. Beed (431122), India ABSTRACT This study explores the diversity, composition, and ecological roles of soil algae in soybean fields of Beed district of Maharashtra. A total of 45 algal taxa were identified, representing three major classes: Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, and Bacillariophyceae. Cyanobacteria dominated, contributing significantly to nitrogen fixation in early growth stages, whereas green algae and diatoms became more prevalent in later stages, enhancing soil structure. These findings highlight soil algae's potential in supporting sustainable agricultural practices for soybean cultivation. Keywords: Soil Algae, Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Soybean and Sustainable Agriculture. Cite this Article: M.N. Sonawane and S. M. Talekar, Soil Algal Flora of Soyabean Glycine Max (L.) Merr. Fields, International Journal of Agriculture Research and Development (IJARD), 5(2), 2024. pp. 29-33. https://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJARD?Volume=5&Issue=2 INTRODUCTION Soybean is one of the most valuable crops globally, widely cultivated due to its high protein content and rich essential oils, which are key ingredients in food products, biofuels, and livestock feed. To sustain optimal productivity in soybean cultivation, maintaining soil health is paramount. One often overlooked component in soil health management is soil algae, which include essential microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, green algae, and diatoms. These microorganisms play crucial roles in the ecosystem by facilitating nutrient cycling, enabling nitrogen fixation, and enhancing soil stability functions that collectively contribute to improved crop yields and sustainable agriculture (Ammar et al., 2022). In Maharashtra, an agricultural powerhouse in India where soybean is a major crop, soil health directly impacts crop yield and overall agricultural productivity. Soil algae, though underrepresented in comparison to bacteria and fungi in agricultural research, offer unique benefits, particularly in nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, and soil stability enhancement (Youssef et al., 2022). These roles are indispensable for supporting the continuous replenishment of essential nutrients and maintaining a robust soil structure.