The heterogeneous nature of the soil of the root zone will produce wide variations in soybean (Glycine max(L.) Merrill) root development. The effects of management practices on root development are not as well understood as are the effects of cultural practices on shoot development. General descriptions of soybean root system production are presented in the literature. Evidence has also been presented in support of the concept that soybean root development is a dynamic, self regulated process, controlled, in part, by the root zone environment. Numerous quantitative and qualitative techniques have been used to haracterize field rooting patterns, and significant differences in root production and distribution have been observed among soybean cultivars.