Increase Soybean Production Research Articles

Improving Soybean Development and Grain Yield by Complementary Inoculation with Growth-Promoting Bacteria Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, Priestia, and Bacillus

Bioinputs are natural products applied to crops that contribute to more sustainable agriculture by boosting yields and reducing environmental impacts. In Brazil, the use of bioinputs such as Bradyrhizobium in soybean has been consolidated, but the expansion of on-farm bioinput production is currently initiating a new revolution. Furthermore, applications of bioinputs to cash crops in Brazil have shed light on the great potential of such growth-promoting microorganisms (GMPs) to improve nutrient uptake and increase productivity. This study explores the effect of the complementary inoculation with growth-promoting bacteria of post-emergence soybean, previously inoculated with Bradyrhizobium spp. Five treatments with growth-promoting bacteria were evaluated: T1—Control (no inoculation); T2—Azospirillum brasilense; T3—Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azospirillum brasilense; T4—Priestia aryabhattai, Bacillus haynesii, and Bacillus circulans; and T5—Priestia megaterium and Bacillus subtilis. In comparison with the control, all treatments with growth-promoting bacteria of the genera Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, Priestia, and Bacillus, applied after soybean emergence, induced 4–7% higher grain yields. Co-inoculation with Priestia megaterium and Bacillus subtilis (treatment T5) resulted in a higher 1000-grain weight, while Priestia aryabhattai, Bacillus haynesii, and Bacillus circulans (treatment T4) increased the number of pods and shoot dry weight. Our conclusion is that bioinputs increase soybean productivity and make agriculture more sustainable and efficient.

Assessment of the environmental impacts of soybean production within fields in Madhya Pradesh: a life cycle analysis approach.

Soybean is a versatile crop that can be used as an oilseed or food crop. Increasing soybean production is beneficial to agricultural economies, but significant concerns have been raised about its environmental impacts. This study evaluates the environmental footprint of soybean production using life cycle assessment (LCA) within the "cradle-to-gate" system in Madhya Pradesh (central India) for the first time. The analysis demonstrated that untreated residue on the ground increases the global warming potential by 19.78 kg CO2 eq ha-1 and land use emissions by 3.61 m2a crop eq ha-1. Additionally, burning residue significantly increases global warming potential by 210.80 kg CO2 eq. ha-1. Furthermore, the potential for aquatic eutrophication ranges between 0.38 and 0.80 kg N eq. and between 0.16 and 0.21 kg P eq ha-1 for marine and freshwater systems, respectively. This assessment reinforces that global warming potential, fossil resource scarcity, acidification, and land use emissions are the primary environmental concerns linked to soybean cultivation. These issues predominantly arise from fuel combustion in agricultural machinery and the application of soil nutrients throughout the production process. This investigation provides a basis for informed decision-making and the development of sustainable practices to balance the agricultural significance of soybean with environmental considerations.

Enhancing soybean productivity through agroforestry, organic waste fertilization, and mulching: A review about climate change

Some issues that will threaten agriculture now and in the future are declining productivity and increased risks due to climate change. However, agroforestry, organic waste fertilizers, and mulching are promising ways to address these challenges. They offer approaches that increase productivity and improve land adaptability to climate extremes. This review explores the integration of agroforestry, organic fertilizer from local waste and mulching systems as strategies to increase soybean productivity while ensuring sustainability. Agroforestry reduced soil erosion by 50% and increased soil carbon stocks by 26-34% at various depths. Organic fertilizers combined with inorganic inputs increased yields by 12.8-32.5%, while mulching further increased yields by 38.6-44.2%. These practices improve soil health, reduce reliance on chemical inputs and provide ecosystem services that support adaptation and mitigation strategies for climate change. This combination is expected to increase soybean production to meet global demand. However, adoption remains limited due to economic and technical constraints, particularly among smallholder farmers. Future studies should address cost-effective solutions and identify optimal zones for implementation.

Optimizing an Ultisol of marginal land for soybean cultivation through inorganic fertilizer substitution with Tithonia compost and biochar ameliorant

Soybean has a strategic role as a food commodity in Jambi, Indonesia, but until now, it has still not been self-sufficient. There is still an opportunity to increase soybean productivity in Jambi by 35-49.6% by optimizing the use of marginal, dominated by Ultisol, which has low inherent soil fertility. One of the efforts that can be made to improve soil fertility for cultivating soybean plants in Jambi is to utilize compost and biochar as soil ameliorants to substitute for inorganic fertilizer. This study aimed to assess the effect of compost and biochar ameliorant as substitutes for inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of soybean plants grown on an Ultisol of Jambi. The experiment was arranged in a simple randomized block design with the combination of the percentage of inorganic fertilizer with compost and biochar ameliorant (100+0, 75+25, 50+50, 25+75, and 0+100) as the treatment factors. The observed variables were plant height, number of branches, plant nitrogen content, rate of symbiotically fixed nitrogen, weight of 100 seeds, and yield. The results showed that providing compost and biochar ameliorants can replace the role of inorganic fertilizer, and providing 100% compost and biochar ameliorant and a combination of 25% inorganic fertilizer and 75% compost biochar ameliorant can provide the highest growth and yield in soybean plants planted in Ultisol dry land.

Microbial inoculants as a means of improving soil and crop yields

The article presented the results of studies of the influence of microbial inoculants Rhizobium japonicum and Azospirillum brasilense on the growth and development of soybean (Glycine max) at the initial stages of its development. The study was conducted on three experimental plots: a control plot without treatment, a plot with Rhizobium japonicum inoculum and a plot with Azospirillum brasilense inoculum. The main indicators were evaluated: plant height, number of leaves, root system development and total biomass at different stages of plant growth, as well as laboratory analysis of nitrogen content in plant tissues. The results of the study showed that the inoculants had a significant impact on all measured parameters compared to the control plot. In particular, the plants in the plot with Rhizobium japonicum showed 50% higher growth and development of the root system, which was confirmed by the formation of root nodules responsible for nitrogen fixation. Azospirillum brasilense also improved plant growth and root system development, but its effect was less pronounced compared to Rhizobium japonicum. Nitrogen content analysis showed that plants in the Rhizobium japonicum plot had 45% higher tissue nitrogen content compared to the control plot, indicating effective nitrogen fixation. In plants treated with Azospirillum brasilense, the nitrogen content was also 25% higher, but without nodule formation, the effect was less pronounced. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microbial inoculants in improving plant growth and development in the early stages of vegetation, to investigate their effect on root system productivity, nitrogen uptake and total plant biomass, and to determine the optimal conditions for maximising the impact of inoculants in agricultural conditions. The results emphasised the importance of using microbial inoculants to increase soybean productivity and resistance in the early stages of its development. The application of Rhizobium japonicum provided a greater increase in biomass, root system and nitrogen assimilation, which makes this inoculant more effective than Azospirillum brasilense

Yield stability of biofertilizer treatments to soybean in the rainy season based on the GGE biplot

Abstract Soybeans (Glycine max L.) play an essential role in meeting the nutritional needs of Indonesians. However, national soybean production cannot meet domestic needs. Increasing the planting frequency during the rainy season is an effort to increase the national soybean production. Planting soybeans in the rainy season will reduce the yield and growth of soybeans, so cultivation technology is needed to increase soybean yields in the rainy season, one of which is the use of biofertilizers and cultivars. This study aimed to analyze a suitable combination of cultivation and biofertilizer doses to increase soybean production during the rainy season. Selection of the right cultivar combination and biofertilizer dosage will increase yields. The research was conducted from 2021 to 2023 during the rainy season in Majalengka Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. The cultivation technology that provides stable soybean yields was analyzed using a GGE biplot. The results of this research show that the appearance of soybean yields varies every year, and there is an interaction between the application of cultivation technology and the year of planting. Cultivation technologies that show a stable appearance are Anjasmoro variety + 20 kg h−1 dose biofertilizer, Dega 1 variety + 0 kg h−1 dose biofertilizer and Dega 1 variety + 10 kg h−1 dose of biofertilizer. These results can be used as a reference for farmers planting soybeans during the rainy season.

The Potential of Azolla pinnata Powder and Compost as a Carrier-base for Improving N-Fixing and P-Solubilizing Bacteria Performance to Increase Soybean Productivity

Efektivitas inokulan Azotobacter sp. dan Bacillus sp. sering kali berkurang ketika diaplikasikan di tanah asam seperti Inceptisol, sehingga diperlukan upaya untuk meningkatkan kinerjanya dalam kondisi ini. Salah satu strategi adalah memilih bahan pembawa inokulan yang tepat seperti tepung Azolla pinnata dan kompos. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengevaluasi kepadatan populasi inokulan, pembentukan bintil akar, berat kering akar, dan jumlah daun trifoliat pada tanaman kedelai yang diberi perlakuan tepung A. pinnata dan kompos sebagai carrier inokulan Azotobacter sp. dan Bacillus sp. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada Agustus 2022 hingga Januari 2023 di Laboratorium Biologi Tanah dan Kebun Percobaan Ciparanje, Departemen Ilmu Tanah dan Sumber Daya Lahan, Fakultas Pertanian, Universitas Padjadjaran. Penelitian menggunakan Rancanagan Acak Kelompok Faktorial dengan dua faktor yaitu faktor pertama berupa pemberian pupuk NPK dengan dosis 100% (300 kg/ha), 50% (150 kg/ha) dan 0% (0 kg/ha) dan faktor kedua adalah perlakuan inokulan kultur cair, inokulan dalam kompos, inokulan dalam tepung Azolla, inokulan dalam campuran kompos dan Azolla yang masing-masing diulang sebanyak tiga kali. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa carrier tepung Azolla dan kompos meningkatkan populasi Azotobacter spp. dan Bacillus spp. di rizosfer. Inokulan dalam campuran pembawa kompos dan tepung Azolla menghasilkan berat kering akar dan jumlah bintil tertinggi secara signifikan. Inokulasi kultur cair Azotobacter sp. dan Bacillus sp. atau inokulan padat dengan bahan pembawa tepung Azolla menghasilkan polong kedelai yang setara dengan aplikasi NPK 150 kg/ha. Aplikasi inokulan dalam tepung Azolla, kompos, atau campuran keduanya menghasilkan bobot 100 biji yang tidak berbeda nyata, namun, bobot 100 biji setara dengan perlakuan yang menggunakan dosis NPK 300 kg/ha di Inceptisol

Application of Protein Hydrolysate Improved the Productivity of Soybean under Greenhouse Cultivation

Protein hydrolysates are plant biostimulants containing amino acids, oligopeptides, and peptides in their composition. When supplied to plants, protein hydrolysates (HPs) have been identified to improve nitrogen metabolism, enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes, boost plant defense response to stresses, and positively impact the quantity and quality of products. Soybean is a crucial global commodity, with nitrogen being the primary nutrient for crop development as it directly affects productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an HP-based biostimulant on the N metabolism in nodulated soybean plants and their productivity. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to test two modes of application of the 0.20% HP-based biostimulant. Soybean plants, growing in pots, were treated with 0.20% HP either via seed treatment or foliar application (at growth stages V3 and V5). Activities of enzymes and compounds related to N metabolism, gene expression, and productivity components were analyzed. It was observed that the mode of application did not significantly influence the results. The application of HPs increased the concentration of nitrate, amino acids, and ureides in soybean leaves. It also positively altered the expression of genes such as nitrate reductase, urease, and asparagine. Additionally, it enhanced productivity, resulting in plants with a greater number and weight of pods and grains. Therefore, it is possible to consider HPs as a stimulator for increasing soybean productivity, even under non-stressing conditions.

The Biostimulant Potential of Clove Essential Oil for Treating Soybean Seeds

Increasing soybean productivity can be achieved by treating seeds with biostimulants. To this end, an investigation was conducted into the potential of a formulation prepared with clove es-sential oil (CEO) diluted in soybean oil for seed treatment. Soybean seeds were treated with CEO concentrations between 0.5 to 3.0 mL/L, and subjected to germination, vigor, and sanity analyses. The CEO at 1.6 mL/L exhibited favorable outcomes regarding germination, root length, and re-duced fungal infection. In this way, a two-crop field experiment evaluated soybean seeds treated with CEO at 1.6 mL/L. Soybean seeds treated with CEO in the field in 2021/2022 were not different from the controls. However, in 2019/2020, there was a higher percentage of emergence, nodulation, and production of 749 kg/ha more than in the industrial treatment. These results highlight the potential use of CEO as a biostimulant.

Genetic diversity of 30 soybean cultivars based on microsatellite markers

Abstract Increasing soybean production presents a significant challenge within soybean breeding endeavors. The foundation for achieving success in plant breeding lies in comprehensive knowledge of genetic diversity. Thus, this study aimed to assess the genetic diversity among 30 soybean cultivars by employing microsatellite markers. DNA extraction was conducted using a modified version of the Doyle & Doyle method, followed by amplification of each sample with nine pairs of microsatellite primers. Gel visualization of the amplified samples facilitated scoring, distinguishing between polymorphic and monomorphic primers. The analysis unveiled the detection of 59 alleles, varying from 2 to 15 alleles per locus, with an average of 6.6 alleles per marker. The resulting gene diversity averaged at 0.63, with a mean main allele frequency of 0.44. Moreover, the obtained PIC values ranged from 0.18 to 0.92, with an average value of 0.60. Notably, four microsatellite markers exhibited high informativity (PIC > 0.7). Cluster analysis based on genetic similarity coefficients grouped the 30 soybean cultivars into three main clusters, demonstrating the genetic variability within the utilized soybean genetic material.

Agribusiness analysis of seed producer supports increased soybean production in East Java production centre areas

ABSTRACT Quality seeds are one of the main technological components for increasing soybean crop production. Until now the use of quality soybean seeds in Indonesia only reaches 30%. The constraints of providing soybean quality seeds still often occur. The objectives of this study are to identify the financial feasibility of soybean seed producer in various uses of soybean products; to identify socio-economic constraints on soybean seed producer and to propose a strategy for developing soybean seed producer agribusiness in East Java province. The survey was conducted on soybean seed growers and soybean farmers who planted soybeans in the 2022 growing season. The results showed that the R/C ratio of producers for seed purposes, producers for consumption purposes, and soybean farmers are 1.34, 1.23 and 1.2, respectively. Threats faced by soybean seed producers include suboptimal post-harvest handling and the rapidly decreasing soybean seed germination. The strategy in developing soybean seed producer that can be proposed are: growing soybean seed farmers at each production centre location to meet the needs of seeds on time, quantity, variety, agroclimate, quality, and price, so as to meet the need of local farmers quickly, and reduce the risk of rapidly decreasing seed germination.

Infection of Phakopsora pachyrhizi Rust Fungus on Seven Soybean Varieties in Pine and Mahogany Agroforestry

Abstract Pine and mahogany agroforestry systems are a few alternatives to increase soybean production. However, soybeans in agroforestry systems have problems with disease infection. One of the most important diseases is leaf rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi. The study aims to compare the infection index and rate of P. pachyrhizi on seven soybean varieties in pine and mahogany agroforestry. The research was conducted at KHDTK (Kawasan Hutan dengan Tujuan Khusus) Alas Bromo in Karanganyar, Central Java, Indonesia, using a Completely Randomized Block Design and seven soybean varieties (Anjasmoro, Argomulyo, Dena-1, Dena-2, Denasa-1, Denasa-2, and Devon-1) with three repetitions. The results represented that infection of P. pachyrhizi rust fungus in the mahogany agroforestry system had a higher index and faster infection rate.

Disease Incidence Comparison of Bacterial Pustule on Soybeans in Mahogany and Pine Agroforestry Systems

Abstract Soybeans are an essential commodity for Indonesian people, who still rely on imports to meet national needs. Agroforestry is one of the solutions to increase soybean production. Agroforestry systems have different conditions from agricultural land in general. Trees such as pine and mahogany can influence the presence of other organisms that can potentially interfere with crop growth. Bacterial pustule is an important disease of soybeans caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis. The research aimed to observe disease incidence in soybeans in pine and mahogany agroforestry systems. This research was conducted at KHDTK Forestry-Alas Bromo in Karanganyar, Central Java, Indonesia. The study used a completely randomized block design with six varieties of soybeans planted in an agroforestry system with mahogany and pine fields. The varieties were Argomulyo, Dena-1, Dena-2, Denasa-1, Denasa-2, and Devon. The research showed that no pustule bacteria were observed in the agroforestry system with pine. However, soybeans in agroforestry systems with mahogany were infected by pustule bacteria with an incidence of up to 40%. No infection on agroforestry soybeans in pines is presumably related to the microclimate condition. The microclimate conditions in pine agroforestry are more open and hot, while in mahogany, agroforestry conditions are more humid and less exposed to sunlight.

Leaf Rust Infection Phakopsora pachyrhizi on Seven Soybean Varieties in Pine Agroforestry System

Abstract The agroforestry farming system is an alternative to increasing soybean production in Indonesia. However, in its cultivation, there are obstacles in the form of attacks by leaf rust pathogens. Leaf rust caused by the P. pachyrhizi fungus can reduce soybean production, depending on the variety and environmental conditions. This research was conducted from June to September 2023 on the KHDTK (Kawasan Hutan dengan Tujuan Khusus) Forestry Alas Bromo, Karanganyar, Central Java, Indonesia, to explore the leaf rust incidence in soybean varieties. This research used a completely randomized block design (CRBD) consisting of seven soybean variety treatments: Anjasmoro, Argomulyo, Dena-1, Dena-2, Denasa-1, Denasa-2, and Devon-1, and repeated three times. The variable observed was disease incidence. The results showed that all soybean varieties tested could be infected with the leaf rust pathogen. The lowest leaf rust infection was found in the Devon-1 variety (6.0%), and the highest infection occurred in the Dena-1 variety (20.0%). This is thought to be related to genetic traits and environmental conditions strongly influencing the growth and development of the P. pachyrhizi pathogen.

The Role of Soil Type and Environmental Conditions in Increasing Soybean Production

Soybean stands as a critical crop globally, serving as a primary source of protein and oil. Optimizing soybean production is imperative to meet increasing demand amid evolving environmental and agronomic challenges. This qualitative analysis delves into the role of soil type and environmental conditions in enhancing soybean yield. Through a synthesis of existing literature and insights from interviews with key stakeholders, patterns and trends influencing soybean cultivation are identified. The findings underscore the complex interplay between soil properties, climatic factors, and agronomic practices in shaping soybean production dynamics. Tailored management strategies are essential for optimizing soil health, water management, and varietal selection to enhance soybean resilience and sustainability in the face of ongoing climate change and variability.

Towards food security: Exploring the spatio-temporal dynamics of soybean in India

India is the world’s largest edible oil importer, and soybean oil accounts for a major portion of those imports, with implications for the Indian economy. Despite being the 4th largest globally in terms of harvested soybean area and 5th largest in terms of production, India is still heavily dependent on imports to meet the vegetable oil requirement for its population. It is therefore imperative to understand the dynamics and trends in India’s soybean production to help the country achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils. This study provides the first spatially explicit analysis of soybean in India, using long-term spatial and temporal statistics at national and subnational levels, using spatial and temporal statistical analysis models to examine the historical trends and its future prospects. Our analysis details the overall soybean expansion across the country and the increase in production but we also note that the annual growth rate has declined in each consecutive decade even though the area continues to expand. The average national yield has been stagnant at around 1 T/Ha but for some of the low-producing districts, a higher yield of more than 3 T/ha is reported. For most major producing districts, soybean yields are below 1.5 T/Ha. The state of Madhya Pradesh which was the major soybean producer is now matched by the state of Maharashtra in terms of production, however, Madhya Pradesh still has the largest area under soybean. We analyzed soybean hotspot expansion in India and found that the mean center of the soybean area and production has shifted approximately 93 km towards the south and 24 km to the west as the crop is rapidly being adopted in the southern and western parts of India expanding the hotspot in these parts. District-level analysis showed that the total number of districts constituting hotspots of soybean cultivation in India has increased from 29 to 42 in three decades. Furthermore, analysis of soybean oil and meal consumption with respect to the national population, import, export, domestic production, GDP per capita, and price of soybean oil and meal suggests that soybean oil and meal are highly correlated with GDP per capita and population, indicating that consumption of soybean oil and meal is likely to increase as GDP per capita increases, and future demand is expected to rise with the anticipated growth in the Indian population. Increased soybean production can play a significant role in increasing national food security for India and reducing dependence on foreign oil imports and also help the economy with soy meal exports. Understanding the spatiotemporal variability in area and yield will help target interventions to increase production. Given the overall low yields with high variability in production, particularly in recent years primarily due to successive extreme rains and droughts in major producing districts and the overall need to increase production to meet the country’s demand, there is a pressing need for government policies and research aimed at narrowing the yield gap and developing soybean varieties that are more productive and resilient to climate change.

ANALYSIS OF COST OF GOODS PRODUCED AND VALUE-ADDED AT UMKM TEMPE "TROSOBO" TUBAN

Soybeans are a food commodity that contains high vegetable protein and is generally used for food consumption. To meet the demand for tempeh agroindustry that uses soybeans as the primary raw material, agroindustry players increase soybean production. However, they still need to meet this demand. Therefore, the government meets this demand by importing. The research was conducted at UMKM Tempe Trosobo, located in Jl. Brawijaya, Gang Yudistira No. 641, Kebonsari, Kec. Tuban, Kab. Tuban, East Java. This study aims to calculate the cost of goods produced using the Full Costing method and analyze the added Value generated by UMKM Tempe "Trosobo" Tuban from soybean processing. The methods used are the Full Costing method and the Hayami method. The results showed that the calculation of the cost of goods produced in the temple agroindustry of Tempe Trosobo UMKM using the complete costing method was IDR 4,300/piece with the total production of tempe produced as many as 22,500 pieces, and the selling price was IDR 5,100/piece. Processing soybeans into tempeh has a value-added result of IDR 11,925 / kg of raw material or 49%, and the added Value of tempeh is classified as high

European soybean to benefit people and the environment

Europe imports large amounts of soybean that are predominantly used for livestock feed, mainly sourced from Brazil, USA and Argentina. In addition, the demand for GM-free soybean for human consumption is project to increase. Soybean has higher protein quality and digestibility than other legumes, along with high concentrations of isoflavones, phytosterols and minerals that enhance the nutritional value as a human food ingredient. Here, we examine the potential to increase soybean production across Europe for livestock feed and direct human consumption, and review possible effects on the environment and human health. Simulations and field data indicate rainfed soybean yields of 3.1 ± 1.2 t ha−1 from southern UK through to southern Europe (compared to a 3.5 t ha−1 average from North America). Drought-prone southern regions and cooler northern regions require breeding to incorporate stress-tolerance traits. Literature synthesized in this work evidenced soybean properties important to human nutrition, health, and traits related to food processing compared to alternative protein sources. While acknowledging the uncertainties inherent in any modelling exercise, our findings suggest that further integrating soybean into European agriculture could reduce GHG emissions by 37–291 Mt CO2e year−1 and fertiliser N use by 0.6–1.2 Mt year−1, concurrently improving human health and nutrition.

The Relationship between Climate, Agriculture and Land Cover in Matopiba, Brazil (1985–2020)

Climate change has been at the forefront of discussions in the scientific, economic, political, and public spheres. This study aims to analyze the impacts of climate change in the Matopiba region, assessing its relationship with land cover and land use, soybean crop production and yield, and ocean–atmosphere anomalies from 1985 to 2020. The analysis was conducted in four parts: (1) trends in annual and intra-annual climate changes, (2) the spatiotemporal dynamics of land cover and use, (3) the spatiotemporal dynamics of soybean production and yield, and (4) the relationship between climate change, agricultural practices, land cover and use, and ocean–atmosphere anomalies. Statistical analyses, including Mann–Kendall trend tests and Pearson correlation, were applied to understand these relationships comprehensively. The results indicate significant land cover and use changes over 35 years in Matopiba, with municipalities showing increasing soybean production and yield trends. There is a rising trend in annual and intra-annual maximum temperatures, alongside a decreasing trend in annual precipitation in the region. Intra-annual climate trends provide more specific insights for agricultural calendar planning. No correlation was found between the climate change trends and soybean production and yield in the evaluated data attributed to genetic and technological improvements in the region. The North Atlantic Ocean shows a positive correlation with soybean agricultural variables. Evidence suggests soybean production and yield growth under climate change scenarios. This study highlights soybeans’ adaptation and climate resilience in the Matopiba region, providing valuable insights for regional agricultural development and contributing to further research in environmental, water-related, social, and economic areas of global interest.

Increasing food and feed self-sufficiency and avoiding manure N surplus in eastern regions of China through a spatial crop-livestock optimisation model

CONTEXTAs the largest emerging economy globally, China is facing crop-livestock disconnection, which causes unnecessary synthetic fertiliser use, local food and feed unsatisfied demand, and manure nitrogen (N) surplus. OBJECTIVEWe investigated how crop-livestock regional integration combined with inter-regional transportation of food, feed, and manure, can contribute to food self-sufficiency of easter China (whole and regional level) while avoiding manure N excess. We also investigated how this could increase the local soybean production without harming the self-sufficiency of other food commodities. METHODSWe proposed an optimisation model of integrated crop-livestock production in eastern China, including the production of food, feed, and livestock manure N in each region and the demand for food (according to healthy diet recommendations), feed and manure N. We optimised the supplier cost-benefit balance considering food and feed production, domestic transportation, and foreign trade, taking food and feed demand satisfaction and manure N surplus avoidance as constraints. This optimisation exercise was performed under different scenarios: optimisation without soybean subsidies (scenario O), optimisation with increasing soybean subsidies (scenario OS+). The two scenarios were compared with the baseline scenario B (non-optimised without soybean subsidies) using balance indices (BI, the gap between production and demand divided by demand) of food, feed, and manure N and transportation indices. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSResults showed that, for the whole of eastern China, BI were positive for cereals (1.523), vegetables (2.789), meat (0.002), eggs (0.002), milk (0.102), and maize (0.244), and negative for manure N (−0.016) in scenario O. This indicated that most of the food and feed items except soybean were self-sufficient and manure N surplus was avoided after optimisation. Some regions lowered their self-sufficiency for some commodities. As soybean subsidies increased from 0 Yuan ‧ ton-‍1 to 6000 Yuan ‧ ton−1, the BI of soybeans increased by 66.37%. SIGNIFICANCEOur results suggested that crop and livestock can be integrated in China for an improved level of food self-sufficiency and manure N surplus avoidance. However, regional self-sufficiency could not be achieved in all regions for all items, and transportation is necessary. In particular, three strategies seem relevant for policy-making: (i) decreasing livestock quantity, for strengthening feed self-sufficiency and avoiding manure N surplus; (ii) increasing soybean production through subsidies; (iii) reducing regional-level self-sufficiency and increasing the transportation for meat and eggs, which would avoid manure N surplus in densely populated regions, while decreasing the maize transportation.