For the 2017 season, the soybean crop has been added to the list of nitrogen-fixing crops that may be used for the greening requirement for Ecological Focus Area; EA. That reports CZAV† Fertilizing with nitrogen is not allowed. This applies to the general list, the arable strip package and the Skylark package.
If you want to include your soy crop, you should keep a few rules in mind. Fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizer is not allowed. This also applies to animal manure and other organic fertilizers. Under the EA, the crop must be grown in the period between 15 May and 14 July. No problem for soy. The crop counts with a factor of 0,7.
Besides soy, there are more nitrogen-fixing crops that all count within the EA: Alfalfa, field beans, fodder vetch, roll and red clover, lupine and esparcette.
In the Netherlands, Agrifirm Plant in particular has been active in the cultivation of soybeans for several years. In 2016, however, the acreage shrank from 190 to 140 hectares. CZAV also started cultivation on a modest scale last season. According to CBS Numbers the total acreage of protein crops in 2016 was 9.000 hectares. With 8.300 hectares, alfalfa is by far the largest crop. With 420 hectares, field beans are the largest crop, after alfalfa. Since 2013, the crop has been on an upward trend again. In 2007 the acreage was still 610 hectares. The major obstacle for soybeans is especially finding a variety that suits the Dutch climate.
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