Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers (MPSG) will be investing $1.4 million towards research in Manitoba in 2015.

The money will support 25 new soybean, edible bean and field pea projects.

Production specialist Kristen Podolsky says it's important to invest into research, especially with the huge expansion of soybeans in Manitoba over the last few years.

"We're able to optimize agronomic practices, not only in one region but in multiple growing regions across the province," she said. "We have very distinct growing areas in terms of growing season length, soil conditions, and moisture. So it's important that we're testing whether it's seeding rates or crop input use, efficient input use, [or] harvest management. It's important that we invest into research that will come up with the best management practices for each growing region."

Podolsky notes MPSG is currently involved in a total of over 60 research projects - that number includes the 25 new projects in 2015.

She notes the majority of the 2015 funding will go towards agronomy studies and on-farm studies.