What type of crop is soybeans categorized under?

Soybeans are categorized as an oil crop because they are primarily grown for their ability to produce oil-rich seeds. The seeds of soybeans contain approximately 20% oil and are a significant source of vegetable oil used in food products, cooking, and industrial applications. Additionally, the oil extracted from soybeans is widely used for biodiesel production.

Soybeans also serve various purposes beyond oil extraction, including being a valuable source of protein and used in animal feed, but their classification as an oil crop is due to the predominant industry focus on oil production and the economic importance of soy oil in various markets. Understanding the classification of crops helps in developing suitable management practices and determining market demand in agricultural education.