Joel's observation is correct. However, the key statement that he made
"nevertheless, studies clearly show that multiple years of soybeans
combined with intensive tillage often results in depletion of soil organic
matter... "
should be explored further before making the incredibly useful and
versitile soybean a bad seed. The key words are "multiple years" and "
intensive tillage."
When used in a rotation with other crops, especially ones that can add
organic matter to soil, the negative effects of soybeans are mitigated or
negligible. Also, when using reduced tillage, no-till, or combinations of
conservation tillage and conventional tillage, again soybeans do very
little or no harm to long term soil organic content.
Mono culture of ANY farm crop can have deliterious effects on soil quality,
not to mention insect and disease build up. Intensive tillage year after
year also has tremendous negative effects on soil quality and productivity.
The value of soybeans to the farm economy and to the public good are quite
far and above the cost to soil organic matter, provided good farming
conservation methods and management are applied.
Son of Richard
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