A study was conducted for four years to determine the effect of three soils at each of three Virginia locations on the protein and oil content of different soybean varieties. Soybeans were grown in plastic lined "pots'' fashioned by digging holes 48 inches deep and 14 inches in diameter. Root growth was restricted to the "pots" by plastic liners on the sides and copper mesh wire covering the bottom of each hole. Each soil was placed in the holes as near to its original position as possible.

Under the conditions of this study, both soil type and location affected the oil and protein content of soybeans. Soil type affected protein percentage more than location but oil percentage was affected more by locations. Varieties responded differentially to soil type and location.

Soybeans grown on Bertie sandy clay loam contained a higher protein and lower oil percentage than when grown on Sassafras or Davison soils. Soybeans grown on Davidson soil were lower in protein percentage than when grown on either Sassafras or Bertie soil.

Location affected protein percentage in two out of four years and oil percentage each year. Soybeans grown on the southern-most location produced more oil and less protein than when produced at the two northern-most locations.