The photosynthetic characteristics of summer-sown soybean were studied systamically with two varieties (Early-maturing No. 7 and Early-maturing No. 14) under field conditions in 1986-1987. The results are as follows:The net photosynthetic rate (NPR) per unit leaf area came to the maximum in 3-5 days after the leaf wholly expanded. The middle-leaflet of trifoliolate showed higher NPR, specific leaf weight (SLW) and leaf area, and those had a little differences between left-and right-leaflets. The midday depression of leaf NPR was obvious. The photorespiration rate and CO_2 compensation concentr...