NEWS

CROP SCIENCE

NCSU Soybean fields are harvested using Soybean-based bio-fuel.

written by: Dr. Jim Dunphy
soybean extension specialist, Crop Science Department,
North Carolina State University

Soybeans are one of the more versatile crops we grow in North Carolina. Used primarily for protein supplements for livestock, and vegetable oil in the grocery store, soybeans are also used as high protein foods, milk replacements for the lactose-intolerant population, soyink, crayons, and now bio-fuels (as in soybean oil and diesel fuel mixtures). Our state’s farmers have more acres of soybeans than of any other row crop, and generate more farm-gate profit from soybeans than from any other row crop except tobacco and cotton. Here at North Carolina State University the soybean program's research fields collect fields with a 5% soybean based bio-fuel.

It seems appropriate for a soybean combine to harvest while running on the bio-fuel. Given the current fuel situation, it is alsto interesting to note that the NCSU Soybean program has been running on this fuel for more than 2 years. The Crop Science department at NCSU has extensive involvement with soybeans, especially breeding, production, and basic research into how and why soybeans do what they do the way they do. Although new varieties do come out of the department’s breeding efforts, the emphasis is more on developing potentially useful breeding lines with new traits, improved composition, or additional tolerances and/or resistances (such as to pests). The department’s production efforts include both research on potentially profitable production practice changes, as well as dissemination of that and other potentially useful information to our state’s producers.

The basic research effort is targeted at a better understanding of how soybeans grow and develop, and at supporting the breeding efforts to develop better soybeans. Weed management, variety testing and cooperation with other departments on insect and disease management, soil fertility and management, and economics are also significant components of our department’s soybean efforts.