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Organic Sample LessonOR120 Growing Organic Soybeans 
MAIN IDEA: Why grow organic soybeans and what practices do I need to follow? It is easier to grow soybeans organically than corn or small grains. That is because soybeans are a legume and can be produced without nitrogen fertilization. Yields of organic soybeans usually compare well with conventional soybeans. Meanwhile, yields of organic corn and small grains often average somewhat lower than corn and small grains produced with conventional farming methods. Organic soybean growers have enjoyed good premiums over conventional markets, especially for food-grade varieties such as Vinton and for clear hilum soybeans used to make tofu. Much of the organic and food-grade soybean acreage is produced under contract with an export buyer or processor. Some is also marketed through farmer-owned cooperatives. When marketed under a food-grade or organic contract, the contractor often selects the variety to use. World demand for food-grade soybeans is increasing. Much of this demand is from Japan and other traditional Asian markets. In recent years the demand for food-grade and organic soybeans has also been growing in other countries. Meanwhile, much of the U.S. soybean acreage is managed with conventional practices, including the use of Roundup Ready varieties and Roundup herbicide, creating a shortage of organic and food-grade soybeans. Roundup Ready varieties are genetically modified, so they are not allowed under National Organic Program (NOP) rules. The market for organic and food-grade beans has several parts:
U.S. organic growers have also been facing competition from imports because they have not been able to keep up with the demand. Some U.S. food processors have been importing organically produced food-grade soybeans to meet their demand. ORGANIC PRACTICES An organic production system is based on a diversity of crops. Each crop must be managed based upon how it fits into the total organic system plan. Each plan must begin with building a biologically diverse soil ecology. The crop selected must include a combination of row crops and sod crops. The crops selected must complement each other, such as nitrogen-fixing crops paired with nitrogen-using crops. Often an organic livestock enterprise can enhance the diversity of an organic farm by recycling plant nutrients in the form of manure. Livestock also can provide a way to add market value to forages and other feed crops, generating additional income. For example, alfalfa and corn grown in a rotation with soybeans can be fed to an organic dairy herd to produce organic milk, or to cows and calves being raised to produce and market organic beef. Meanwhile, the soybeans can provide a valuable cash crop. Fertilizer: Fertilizer requirements for soybeans can often be met with moderate amounts of mined potash, rock phosphate or lime, if needed. Soil tests should be used to determine the need for fertilizer applications. Compost and animal manure can also be used for soybeans. A 40-bushel soybean yield removes about 150 lbs. of nitrogen, 35 lbs. of phosphate, 55 lbs. of potassium and 7 lbs. of calcium from the soil. Nitrogen fertilizer is not normally used to grow soybeans. Soybeans are a legume crop that can fix its nitrogen requirements from the air. While manure can be used to build fertility for soybeans, it is usually applied before planting corn in the rotation rather than before soybeans. The manure provides nitrogen to the corn crop, while enriching the soil with organic matter as well as residual phosphorus and potassium. Growers that operate a livestock enterprise can use manure from their own farms. Growers who are located near a large confinement livestock operation may also have a good source of supply. These large operations often have a surplus of manure and need to find a way to dispose of it. The soybean crop can still benefit from manure that has been applied at another point in the rotation. For example, if the beans follow corn in the rotation, they will be planted on soil that contains more organic matter from the manure applied to the corn and from the corn stalk residue remaining from the corn crop. In addition, there will likely be a residue of phosphorus and potassium remaining in the soil as well as in the corn stalks that have been plowed down or worked into the soil. In a healthy soil, the soil microbes will help to release these residual nutrients to be used by the soybeans. Crop rotation: Crop rotation is required to improve soil fertility and to break pest cycles. While soybeans are a legume crop, the rotation should still include forage legumes to provide additional nitrogen that will be needed for other crops. Alfalfa is the most effective legume for this purpose. See AgEdNet.com lesson OR118 Growing Organic Alfalfa. While soybeans can fix enough nitrogen for their own requirements, most of the nitrogen is removed with the harvested beans. In general, soybean residue provides only about one pound of nitrogen for each bushel harvested. Cover crops: Cover crops and green manure can also provide benefits in a rotation with soybeans. Green manure is a growing forage or grain crop that is plowed down and/or worked into the soil. A winter cover crop is a grain, grass or legume crop that is left on the land over the winter. It may be an annual that will not regrow in the spring. The cover crop may be worked into the soil in the spring, or left on the surface as a mulch for the next crop. Green manure has not been used widely in recent years because it is too costly. Land being used to grow the green manure crop produces no revenue while the green manure is growing. A less costly strategy is to use a winter cover crop instead of a full-season green manure crop. For example, winter rye seeded after corn can be plowed down in the spring before soybeans are planted, or mowed to provide mulch for soybeans. Also, in some areas winter wheat can be seeded after corn and double cropped with soybeans the next summer. The beans are planted in wheat stubble. Cover crops, green manure, composts and livestock manure all are useful because they add organic matter and stimulate biological activity in the soil. Soil microbes feed on organic matter and make mineral nutrients more available to plants. These microbes also generate chemicals such as streptomycin, an antibiotic that benefits plant growth. See the ATTRA Overview of Cover Crops and Green Manures web page listed under Internet Resources. Weed control: Weed control is especially important during early growth, before a full canopy of soybean growth can shade out new weeds. A well-planned organic crop rotation will help to keep weed populations low enough to be controlled with well-planned cultivation. Starting with a weed-free seedbed will help to kill weeds and give beans a good start. University of Illinois agronomists advise rotary hoeing within three days after planting, again at plant emergence, and once again five days after plant emergence. They also recommend cultivating 30-inch-row soybeans two to three cultivations before a plant canopy is formed. Solid-seeded soybeans in 7- to 8-inch rows provide a quicker canopy to help hold down weed populations. Insects and diseases: Most insects and diseases can be kept in check with crop rotations. Where nematodes have become a problem, rotating to nonhost crops and integrating nematicidal cover crops into the crop mix have proved effective. See the Alternative Nematode Control site listed under Internet Resources. In addition, the habitat for beneficial insects around an organic farm will help to keep pests in check. In 2004 agronomists discovered Asian soybean rust in several southern states. The disease seemed to be spreading rapidly. Researchers could find no resistant varieties for 2005 planting, but work has been under way to develop resistance. In addition, researchers were not certain that organic practices, such as longer crop rotations and compost would help to suppress the disease. NOP-approved materials -- such as copper, sulfur and hydrogen peroxide -- are being tested to see if they may be effective. Asian rust grows only on live plants, but produces spores that could be spread in contaminated seed. Spores also are spread by wind and may have been carried to the United States by storm clouds or hurricanes. Soybean plants can be infected with rust at any stage of growth. Often infections begin during long periods of cool, wet weather. Typical symptoms include large tan or smaller red lesions forming on leaves. These usually first appear on lower leaves about the time plants are flowering. Watch for more developments on organic management of Asian soybean rust. In September 2005, the USDA's Integrated Organic Program awarded $480,000 to Iowa State University, Michigan State University, University of Florida and the Rodale Institute to evaluate strategies for management of soybean rust in organic systems. While the disease was not found in production areas in 2005, researchers want to be ready for the next outbreak. The studies will include evaluating traditional organic methods, such as extended crop rotations. Agronomists are also looking at the use of windbreaks to prevent the spread of spores. In addition, they will be testing a number of NOP-approved chemicals that could be used to control the disease. HARVESTING AND HANDLING It is very important to keep organically produced soybeans isolated from conventional soybeans. University of Illinois agronomists recommend harvesting eight to 10 border rows around the field separately and selling them as nonorganic soybeans. Bean quality is very important in organic soybean markets. Empty augers and make sure combine, truck beds and wagons are clean and free of foreign material and are not contaminated with nonorganic beans. If you are growing organic or food-grade soybeans under contract, your buyer will have certain quality specifications that must be met. Your contractor may also provide harvesting and handling suggestions you can use to meet the requirements. Harvesting clear hilum soybeans for tofu production is especially tricky. Volunteer corn and nightshade weed must be eliminated from the field before harvest to prevent seed contamination. Any green weeds remaining in the field before harvest can cause problems by coating the soybean seed with green stain. Harvesting food-grade soybeans requires proper combine adjustments. Follow your operator's manual closely to prevent seed damage. Keep a close watch on your platform height as you move through the field to avoid picking up soil and contaminating the beans. Food-grade soybeans should be field dried to 13-14 percent moisture. Level off storage bins and use a cooling fan to maintain a uniform temperature and aerate the beans. This will help to eliminate moisture migration as well as insect damage and mold growth. Start the fan as you start filling bins and run it for about for six weeks until the temperature of the grain mass is at 35 to 40 F. Monitor temperature through the winter and aerate in early spring to keep temperate at 30 to 40 F. To avoid damage to beans, they should be handled with a belt conveyor whenever possible. If a belt conveyor cannot be used, a large auger without sharp edges is the second best choice. Try not to handle beans any more than necessary. Clean bins between storage seasons, removing moldy grain or soybeans and vacuuming bins thoroughly before refilling. Mow weeds and grass around bins to eliminate insect habitat. Seal fan inlets when fans are not in use to prevent air leaks and keep insects out. Make sure exhaust vents, hatches and eave openings are open and large enough to allow humid air to move out of the grain. SOURCE: Reference above includes information from Organic Soybean Production by George Kuepper, NCAT Agriculture Specialist, and from several other sources listed under Internet Resources. EXERCISES: Be ready to answer the following in class and/or write a report with your answers.
1. Have you seen soybeans growing in your area?
2. If you were going to start an organic farm in your area, would you include soybeans in your crop rotation? 3. How do you feel organic soybean growers will be able to solve problems they may have with Asian soybean rust? List and discuss several alternative solutions.
INTERNET RESOURCES:
** American Soybean Association - Grower Opportunities for Identity Preserved Value-Added Soybeans
** Chicken Feed: Feed Producers - Certified Organic & Preferred
Chicken Feed and Supplement Producers
** Clarkson Grain Co., Grains, Oilseeds & Ingredients for Foods and Feeds
** Iowa State University - Soybean Rust and Organic Soybean Production
** Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service - Brokers, Buyers, Cooperatives and Processors
** National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA) - Organic Soybean Production
** ATTRA - Nematodes: Alternative Controls
** ATTRA - Overview of Cover Crops and Green Manures
** The NewFarm - Researchers Responding to Discovery of Soybean Rust in the U.S.
** North Carolina State University - Organic Field Crop Production and Marketing in North Carolina - Soybean Disease Management
** South Dakota State University - 'Organic' and 'Conventional' Grain and Soybean Prices in the Northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest: 1995 through 2003 TEST:
1. The market for organic soybeans can be divided into three segments. Name and/or describe those three market segments? 2. Fill in the blank: An organic production system is based on a __________ of crops. 3. What two words are needed to fill in the blanks?. An organic crop plan must begin with a __________ __________ soil ecology. 4. Green manure is a more costly source of organic matter than a winter cover crop. TRUE or FALSE? Explain your answer. 5. Name the soybean disease that was discovered in the southern United States in 2004 that could be especially troublesome for organic growers.
6. Which one or more of the following organic crop yields compare favorably with conventional yields? 7. Roundup Ready soybean varieties can be grown on organic farms. TRUE or FALSE? 8. Soybeans are a legume crop not normally needing added nitrogen fertilizer. TRUE or FALSE? 9. Give one or more reasons why equipment must be carefully cleaned between harvests. 10. What is the best equipment to use to avoid bean damage after harvest?
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OR120 Growing Organic SoybeansTEACHER'S GUIDEOBJECTIVE: Students will be able to list and discuss various practices required to produce organic and food-grade soybeans successfully. In addition, they will be challenged to consider the decisions a grower needs to make to grow soybeans organically and to include them in a rotation with other organic crops. PREPARATION: Review lesson content and be ready to discuss exercise questions with your students. You may know of one or more organic farms in your area that grow food-grade or organic soybeans in their rotations. You may want to visit with these growers to get more information on what they are doing so you can use their examples in your discussions with students. INTERNET RESOURCES:
** American Soybean Association - Grower Opportunities for Identity Preserved Value-Added Soybeans
** Chicken Feed: Feed Producers - Certified Organic & Preferred
Chicken Feed and Supplement Producers
** Clarkson Grain Co., Grains, Oilseeds & Ingredients for Foods and Feeds
** Iowa State University - Soybean Rust and Organic Soybean Production
** Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service - Brokers, Buyers, Cooperatives and Processors
** National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA) - Organic Soybean Production
** ATTRA - Nematodes: Alternative Controls
** ATTRA - Overview of Cover Crops and Green Manures
** The NewFarm - Researchers Responding to Discovery of Soybean Rust in the U.S.
** North Carolina State University - Organic Field Crop Production and Marketing in North Carolina - Soybean Disease Management
** South Dakota State University - 'Organic' and 'Conventional' Grain and Soybean Prices in the Northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest: 1995 through 2003 IMPORTANT TERMS: Asian soybean rust, biologically diverse, clear hilum, food-grade, nematicidal cover crops, nematodes, nitrogen fixing, nonGM, organic, Roundup, Roundup Ready, soil ecology, tofu. EXTENSION: Offer extra credit for students who complete the following activity. Do research to find out more about organic markets for soybeans in your area or your state. Make a list of potential buyers. Then write a paper or do a report in class on what you have learned about the market potential for organic soybeans in your area. You will find some leads among the Internet Resources, but do not stop there. Search for other sites and look for other local grain buyers, processors and cooperatives to find out more about the potential for organic soybeans. EXERCISE ANSWERS: 1. Answers depend on what students know and can learn about the crops grown and the crop rotations used in your area. You may be able to add to their knowledge and understanding during class discussion. Soybeans are grown widely in the central and southeastern states. They often are grown in corn-soybean or corn-cotton rotations. They are a medium value cash crop that works well with corn in the Corn Belt. Producers have learned that rotations with corn and soybeans can produce more average net revenue than continuous corn for two reasons. Production costs for soybeans are lower. Corn yields hold up better with less fertilizer when they follow soybeans in rotation. The decision to grow specialty, food-grade or organic soybeans is often based on available markets. Much of this specialized soybean acreage is in areas where processors are offering contracts to provide a source of beans to fill their special needs. There also may be market opportunities with grain companies that have developed export markets for food-grade soybeans. Many growers decide to grow soybeans with conventional practices for two reasons: There may be no good market for organic beans in their area. They may simply prefer conventional soybeans because they are easier to manage. Weeds are much easier to control with Roundup Ready varieties. 2. Answers depend on students' preferences and crops suited to your area. In addition, students may want to consider how soybeans could fit in with other organic crops that offer a good market potential in your area. Students should first consider which organic crop has the greatest market potential, the second best, the third best, etc. In addition, the student should then select which crops need to be grown in rotation with the highest value crop in order to comply with organic standards and maintain organic soil quality. Soybeans can be useful in a wide variety of rotations, provided there is also a sound market for organic soybeans in your area. To reach a decision, students should consider how the revenue potential from organic soybeans compares with all of the alternative organic crops that could be grown. Will soybeans be needed to fill out the rotation? Where do they rank in terms of market value among other crops that could be grown to meet their rotational requirements? 3. Researchers started to look at this problem in 2005. You may want to encourage students to do some Internet research to get updates on recent developments. In general a solution may come in three areas:
In addition, the rust may not spread as rapidly nor as far as was first anticipated. This will give researchers more time to find better answers before growers need to act. TEST KEY:
1. The market for organic soybeans can be divided into three segments. Name and/or describe those three market segments. 2. Fill in the blank: An organic production system is based on a diversity of crops. 3. What two words are needed to fill in the blanks?. An organic crop plan must begin with a biologically diverse soil ecology. 4. Green manure is a more costly source of organic matter than a winter cover crop. TRUE or FALSE? Explain your answer. TRUE, because a season of revenue is lost. 5. Name the soybean disease that was discovered in the southern United States in 2004 that could be especially troublesome for organic growers. Asian soybean rust
6. Which one or more of the following organic crop yields compare favorably with conventional yields? Correct answer: A. Soybeans 7. Roundup Ready soybean varieties can be grown on organic farms. TRUE or FALSE? FALSE. Roundup Ready varieties are genetically engineered, so they are not allowed under National Organic Program (NOP) rules. 8. Soybeans are a legume crop not normally needing added nitrogen fertilizer. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE. 9. Give one or more reasons why equipment must be carefully cleaned between harvests. The lesson listed several reasons including bean quality, avoiding foreign material and avoiding contamination with nonorganic beans. 10. What is the best equipment to use to avoid bean damage after harvest? A belt conveyor CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS:
Across: 4. Japan, 6. Belt, 8. Rotation, 9. Manure, 11. Streptomycin, 13. Fan, 14. Organic. END
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