Field beans are an interesting alternative for imported soy in dairy production, but only if the beans are first heated. Those are the results from the ILVO-study within the EKOPTI project. Heating is required for good digestion and also helps in storage.
Main research questionTo what extent are field beans a valuable and viable protein provider and soy substitute in dairy cattle rations? The MELKBOON project researches and demonstrates this for the dairy sector, in order to eventually achieve a reduced carbon footprint at farm level. Imported soy aggravates that footprint.
Main research questionIs it possible to introduce soybean production in Flanders in an economical and sustainable way? Flanders is highly dependent from import of soy from Latin America. This import is rising not only social and ecological questions, but the economic impact for the Flemish farmers is high due to volatile and high prices.
As one of 1,000 citizen scientists, Flemish Minister of Agriculture, Innovation, and Food, Minister Hilde Crevits, will monitor soybean seeds in an allotment in her hometown of Torhout
Researchers at VIB and ILVO successfully conducted the first-ever field trials of soybean based on new knowledge about the interplay between bacteria, soil and crop.
Main research questionThe aim of this Grand Challenge project is to engage at least 1000 citizens and their gardens to help acquire native rhizobia from Flemish soils that are able to efficiently nodulate soybean. We wish to find local soilborne bacteria and funghi that are able to form nodules on soybean plants.
Quinoa, soy, chickpea and dry bean, intended for the human food chain, are hardly grown in our region at present, if at all. But they represent promising new agricultural crops in ILVO's cultivation and/or breeding research.
ILVO explores two alternatives: forage sorghum and mixed cropping of silage maize with climbing beans. Special attention will be given to soil quality, nitrogen cycle, forage yield and forage composition. Research approachWe set up trials on our experimental farm as well as in collaboration with farmers.