Yields were somewhat disappointing, but positive results have also been achieved in the second soybean growing season that CZAV and partners have recently completed. Deputy director Ko Francke sees the future with Zeeland soy positively.
The number of growers grew from 2017 to 4 in 6 and CZAV, which plays a role in cultivation supervision, collection and processing, expects another small increase in the coming year. There is certainly interest among growers, partly because the development has been supported by the province of Zeeland in the form of a subsidy.
This support is necessary to further develop knowledge through study and experiments. The province of Zeeland will also support the project in 2018. "Every year we determine the progress based on the evaluation. As long as progress is made and there is a prospect of a sales market, everyone involved will remain enthusiastic to help develop profitable cultivation," says Francke.
Suitable climate
On average, 4 hectares of soybeans are grown per grower. Zeeland has a suitable climate for bean cultivation and therefore also for soy. Good yields can be achieved because of the temperature and the relatively high number of hours of sunshine. However, as predicted earlier, these were somewhat disappointing. "The net yield was 2 tons per hectare, compared to 2,7 in 2016. The highest yields were 3 and 2,5 tons per hectare respectively. The harvest went well, although it was interrupted for a while by the rain," adds Francke to it.
Grower experiences
The reason for the disappointing yield is now clear. Something went wrong during the grafting of the seed, which, in combination with the dry conditions during sowing, has consequences for the end result. Inoculating soybean seed with rhizobium bacteria enhances nitrogen fixation and increases yield. A learning moment for next season, says CZAV.
Positive results have mainly been gained from precision seeding and disease control experiences. Grower experiences also show the value of the crop in the crop plan with better yields from succeeding crops.
Financial result
Francke says the following about the financial result: "Up to now, the aim of the project has been cultivation optimization, searching for specific quality aspects and sales channels. With the yields and prices achieved so far, there is still no question of profitable cultivation. yield, at current costs and risk, to at least 3,5 tons or the prices clearly higher."
It will not be due to the interest in Zeeland soy. This is present in the market, both for consumers (tofu, bakery, soy drinks) and animal feed. In 2017, contact with potential customers was expanded. "We also see an interest in consumers for more information about Zeeland soy. This is also something to follow up in the future and further develop its unique value."
Increasing demand
The demand for vegetable (GMO-free) protein has been increasing in recent years and is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. "Soybeans are high in protein and are used, among other things, in bread, dairy and as a meat substitute. The big advantage is that soybeans hardly require crop protection or fertilization. In addition, it is a nitrogen-fixing crop, which offers the grower an extra plus in crop rotation. local cultivation has other sustainability advantages compared to imports from North and South America, where the soy now comes from."
For the coming season, CZAV will continue with practical research into, among other things, different varieties, effect in the cultivation plan and method of inoculation. "The search for specific sales channels is also being continued. Expectations are that higher yields will be achieved and that interest in the market will support sales. The market is very diverse, as is the demand for and supply of protein. search for a niche."
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