Wicked Organics Organic Organic OMRI Listed

Soy Bean Meal

NPK 7-2-1

Soybean meal is one of the most economical and effective plant-based organic fertilizers available, offering a well-rounded NPK of 7-2-1. It provides high nitrogen from plant protein without any animal byproducts, making it the top choice for vegan and vegetarian gardeners who want a powerful organic nitrogen source.

As a slow-release fertilizer, soybean meal feeds your plants steadily over the growing season as soil microbes break down the ground soybean proteins. This slow, consistent release means less risk of fertilizer burn and more efficient nutrient uptake — you typically only need to apply once per year for most garden situations.

Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Soy Bean Meal is derived from non-GMO, organically grown soybeans that are mechanically processed to preserve maximum nutrient value. It is OMRI-listed for certified organic production and ideal for vegetable gardens, lawns, flower beds, and landscape plantings.

Nutrient Profile
WO-SOYBEAN-MEAL
721
Soy Bean Meal
Derived From
  • Ground soybeans after mechanical oil extraction (non-GMO)
7-2-1
NPK Ratio
Organic
Formula Type
Once per growing season, or every 4-6 weeks for heavy feeders
Feeding Frequency
Compatible Plants
What It Is

Understanding 7-2-1

Soybean meal is the solid residue left after extracting oil from soybeans through mechanical pressing. This protein-rich byproduct contains approximately 7% nitrogen, 2% phosphorus, and 1% potassium, along with trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.

As soil microbes decompose the soybean protein, nitrogen is released gradually over several months, providing a steady supply of the nutrient plants need most for vegetative growth. University research has shown soybean meal to be one of the most effective and economical nitrogen sources for Northeast soils.

Note: Fresh soybean meal has a natural herbicidal effect that can inhibit small seed germination for the first few weeks after application. Apply 2-3 weeks before direct seeding, or use at planting time with transplants that are not affected.

N
Nitrogen — 7%

Provides 7% slow-release nitrogen from plant-based protein — one of the highest nitrogen concentrations among vegan-friendly organic fertilizers.

P
Phosphorus — 2%

Supplies 2% phosphorus for root support and flowering.

K
Potassium — 1%

Delivers 1% potassium for water regulation and overall plant hardiness.

Recommended Plants

Best For

Leafy Greens
Peppers
Tomatoes
Brassicas
Herbs
Lawns
Corn
Heavy Feeders

Growing Detail

Soybean meal excels for heavy nitrogen feeders. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale thrive with its steady nitrogen supply. Peppers, tomatoes, and brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower) respond with vigorous growth and improved yields. Lawns green up steadily without the surge-and-crash pattern of synthetic nitrogen. The plant-based sourcing makes it ideal for organic operations that prefer vegan inputs.

Dosing Guide

Application Rates

Garden Beds
2.5-5 lbs per 100 sq ft
Container / Pot
2-4 tbsp per gallon of soil
Water Mix
N/A — Soybean meal is not water-soluble
Lawn
5-10 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
Trees
1 lb per inch of trunk diameter
Per Acre
500-1,500 lbs per acre
Frequency
Every 2-4 weeks

How to Apply

Seasonal Notes

Apply in early spring to support new growth and again in mid-summer for sustained feeding. For lawns, a single spring application often provides nitrogen for the entire season. Apply 2-3 weeks before direct seeding to avoid germination inhibition. Fall application is fine for preparing beds for next season.

How It Compares

Side by Side

Soybean meal vs. Blood Meal: Blood meal (12-0-0) provides nearly double the nitrogen but no P or K. Soybean meal (7-2-1) offers balanced nutrition from a plant source. Choose soybean meal for vegan gardens or when you need P and K along with nitrogen. Soybean meal vs. Feather Meal: Feather meal (12-0-0) is higher in nitrogen but animal-derived and slower-release. Soybean meal provides more complete nutrition with plant-based sourcing.

Safety & Storage

Soybean meal is non-toxic and safe to handle with no special protective equipment needed. Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry location. Once wet, soybean meal can develop a rotting grass clipping odor — keep bags sealed to prevent moisture absorption.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked

  • Soybean meal is a natural, organic fertilizer made from ground soybeans remaining after oil extraction. With an approximate NPK ratio of 7-1-2, it is a moderate-to-high nitrogen organic amendment that also provides phosphorus, potassium, and beneficial amino acids. Soybean meal breaks down at a moderate pace — faster than feather meal but slower than blood meal — providing nitrogen availability over 4–8 weeks. It is one of the most popular plant-based organic nitrogen sources. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Soy Bean Meal is a premium, OMRI-Listed organic amendment for gardens, landscapes, and organic farms.
  • Soybean meal serves as an organic nitrogen source for feeding plants and building soil health. It is effective for all garden plants including vegetables, flowers, lawns, trees, and shrubs. The moderate nitrogen content makes it versatile — strong enough for heavy feeders but gentle enough for most plants when applied at recommended rates. Soybean meal is also popular as a compost activator, lawn topdressing ingredient, and base component in custom organic fertilizer blends. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Soy Bean Meal is a plant-based alternative to animal-derived nitrogen sources like blood meal and feather meal.
  • Apply soybean meal by broadcasting 3–5 pounds per 100 square feet and incorporating into the top 4–6 inches of soil before planting. For side-dressing established plants, sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons per plant and work into the soil surface. For containers, add 1 tablespoon per gallon of soil. For lawn applications, broadcast 5–8 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Water thoroughly after application to initiate microbial breakdown. Reapply every 4–8 weeks during active growth. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Soy Bean Meal is easy to apply and has a mild, inoffensive odor.
  • Soybean meal has an approximate NPK ratio of 7-1-2, providing 7% nitrogen, 1% phosphorus, and 2% potassium. This makes it primarily a nitrogen source with small contributions of phosphorus and potassium. The nitrogen releases at a moderate pace over 4–8 weeks as soil microbes break down the organic protein. Soybean meal also contains beneficial amino acids and trace minerals that support plant health beyond what the NPK numbers indicate. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Soy Bean Meal delivers reliable organic nitrogen at 7-1-2.
  • Yes, soybean meal is one of the best plant-based (vegan) organic fertilizer options available. Unlike blood meal, bone meal, and feather meal — which are all derived from animal processing — soybean meal comes entirely from plant sources. This makes it ideal for veganic gardeners who want to avoid all animal-derived inputs in their growing system. Despite being plant-based, soybean meal provides competitive nitrogen levels comparable to many animal-derived amendments. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Soy Bean Meal is a high-quality vegan nitrogen source for plant-based organic gardening.
  • Soybean meal (7-1-2) and blood meal (12-0-0) both provide organic nitrogen but differ in several ways. Blood meal has higher nitrogen concentration and releases faster (1–4 weeks), while soybean meal has lower nitrogen but provides some P and K and releases over 4–8 weeks. Soybean meal is plant-based (vegan-friendly), while blood meal is animal-derived. Blood meal can serve as a mild animal deterrent, while soybean meal does not. Both are effective organic nitrogen sources. Old Cobblers Farm™ offers both Wicked Organics Soy Bean Meal and Blood Meal for flexible organic nitrogen management.
  • Yes, soybean meal is an excellent nitrogen-rich compost activator. Adding it to carbon-heavy compost piles (leaves, straw, wood chips) provides the nitrogen that decomposer microorganisms need to break down organic matter efficiently. Mix soybean meal at 5–10% by volume or scatter thin layers between additions of brown material. The protein content accelerates microbial activity and heats the pile for faster decomposition. The finished compost will have enhanced nitrogen content. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Soy Bean Meal is a cost-effective, plant-based way to supercharge your composting process.

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