Cultivation of field beans is gaining in popularity

The developments surrounding more domestic protein are generating more interest in protein-rich products. This also applies to field beans, a crop that has gained popularity over the past year. However, the knowledge of dairy farmers is not yet that great, which is why Limagrain organizes various practical days. 

One of those field days took place on July 16. Here Limagrain organized a practical day on summer and winter field beans. A day where theory and practice came together on a field bean plot in Slootdorp (NH). Interest was high with more than 40 dairy farmers attending. In 2 groups, the interested people went into the field with the different roughage specialists. 

Arable cultivation
The cultivation of field beans is something new for dairy farmers and can therefore be more difficult than the cultivation of grass and maize. A collaboration with an arable farmer can be successful in this, advises Limagrain. The field bean is often harvested dry and immediately ground and ensiled, just like CCM. The advantage of the field bean harvest is that it takes place in August, so there is still enough room for a succeeding crop and the bearing capacity of the soil is still excellent. The meal of the field bean contains high and complete nutritional values. They contain energy, protein and starch and are therefore suitable for many rations.

To achieve a high grain yield, cultivation must take place on a suitable plot. Field beans are very sensitive to structural damage and drought. The optimum pH for the field bean is >6 on clay soil and >5,4 on sandy and valley soils. 

Limagrain emphasizes that when feeding the field beans it is important to be aware of the bean's high nutritional values. 1.5 kg of field bean replaces 1 kg of soy, which, in combination with the high protein yield per hectare, makes it a worthy opponent. 

Winter or summer field beans?
The choice of winter or summer field beans depends on many factors, according to Limagrain. Due to the high susceptibility to structural damage, the late sowing time of winter field bean may be unsuitable for heavier soils. With a high pressure of bird damage, the summer variant can be more favorable because a larger plant is established more quickly. The protein yield of the winter field bean is higher, which is clearly visible in the image above. The consideration in a possible choice for winter or summer field bean differs per company. 

Erik van der Deure

e.vanderdeure@boerenbusiness. Nl

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