Soybean crop rotation: A '3-in-1' solution for sustainable agricultural production

In the context of soaring input material costs, increasingly degraded soils caused by continuous cultivation, and complicated climate change, the soybean crop rotation model is emerging as an effective direction for sustainable agricultural production.

Sustainable cultivation solution amid the challenges of modern agriculture

According to the Institute of Agricultural Science for Southern Vietnam (IASVN), soybean plants are capable of biological nitrogen fixation through symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules. They average 94 kg of nitrogen/ha/crop (equivalent to 200 kg of urea) and potentially reach up to 168 kg under favorable conditions. As a result, the amount of chemical fertilizer used for both the soybean crop and subsequent crops is significantly reduced, addressing one of the largest cost burdens currently faced by farmers.

Beyond saving on fertilizers, soybeans, with their deep, extensive root systems and well-branched structure, can also absorb residual nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium from deeper soil layers, minimizing nutrient loss and leaching into the environment. Furthermore, the interaction between soybean roots and beneficial microorganisms helps enhance the decomposition of organic matter, converting nutrients into forms that are more readily absorbed by subsequent crops.

Rotating soybeans with other crops also significantly affects soil nutrients and disrupts the life cycles of pests and disease pathogens, thereby reducing the usage of pesticides. Many farmers report that after a soybean crop, their subsequent crop experiences fewer pest and weed problems, achieves higher yields, and reduces about 30% of fertilizer costs, which means reducing adverse environmental impacts.

Vinasoy accompanies farmers in restoring the value of soybeans

In addition to researching and producing soy-based products, Vietnam Soya Products Company (Vinasoy) is a pioneer in promoting the soybean crop rotation model in raw material areas through the Vinasoy Soybean Application Research Center (VSAC). Vinasoy invests in seed research, provides cultivation guidance, supports mechanization, and offers guaranteed consumption. These efforts gradually restore and enhance the value of soybeans in sustainable agricultural production.

According to monitoring data from Nam Dong Soybean Production Cooperative over 3 years from 2022 to 2024, farmer households applying this model have achieved average revenues ranging from 250 to 400 million VND/ha/year. The 3-crop rotation model here yields the highest economic efficiency and is increasingly favored by local farmers.

Beyond providing a high-quality protein source for humans, soybeans play a key role in soil improvement and disrupting pest cycles for subsequent crops. This role helps increase yields in crops following soybeans, reduce costs on fertilizers and pesticides, and significantly improve soil quality.

A standout in this region is the Nam Dong Soybean Production Cooperative, a typical model in the Central Highlands. The Cooperative plays a pivotal role in organizing production, coordinating quality control, supporting farmers in accessing agricultural policies, and working toward certifications such as IP (Identity Preservation) and VietGAP. These efforts aim to enhance the value of agricultural products and meet the market's increasingly strict traceability requirements.

Notably, under the Cooperative's operations, the 3-Ton Farmer Club was established, gathering farmer households achieving soybean yields of over 3 tons/ha, which is a result of applying new varieties and advanced cultivation techniques transferred by Vinasoy.

Mr. Pham Van Duan, a member of the Cooperative, shared, “Previously, farming was done spontaneously, leading to soil degradation, increased pests and diseases, and rising costs. Since introducing soybeans into the crop rotation, the soil has become more porous, subsequent crops like peanuts have grown significantly better, and costs have decreased markedly.”

Spreading the “2 rice - 1 soybean” model: A green solution for the Delta

The soybean crop rotation model has proven effective not only in the Central Highlands but also in the Red River Delta (Hanoi, Vinh Phuc) and is currently being piloted in the Mekong Delta (Vinh Long, An Giang) in the direction of “2 rice - 1 soybean.” As an upland crop, soybeans are grown between two rice crops (dry–wet rotation), helping save water, suppress weeds, break the pest and disease cycle for rice, and at the same time improve soil quality, increase organic matter, and enhance soil porosity.

In the Red River Delta, soybean crop rotation in the winter crop optimizes land use, reduces the pressure of continuous rice cultivation, and enhances soil quality. Instead of burning rice straw, which causes environmental pollution, farmers now use it to mulch the fields when sowing soybeans. This practice helps retain moisture, reduce weeds, and support plant development. After each soybean harvest, the stems, leaves, and pods, along with remaining rice straw, are used as organic fertilizer, contributing to soil improvement.

Mr. Le Hoang Duy, Director of the VSAC, affirmed, “We believe that soybeans play a vital role in the sustainable agricultural ecosystem. Soybean crop rotation is not merely a technical farming solution but also part of Vinasoy’s long-term ESG strategy, accompanying farmers in protecting soil resources, enhancing the value of agricultural products, and adapting to climate change.”

In practice, crop rotation models involving soybeans not only bring economic benefits but also contribute to environmental protection, reduced input costs, higher yields, and increased value of subsequent crops. This serves as a solid foundation for Vinasoy and farmers to aim at an efficient, environmentally friendly, and sustainable agriculture.