THE SOYA BEAN

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 77, 13 March 1933, Page 11

THE SOYA BEAN

A PROFITABLE CROP USE AS HAY OR ENSILAGE. METHODS OF CULTIVATION. Conspicuous by its absence on Hawke’s Bay farms is the soya bean. This fodder crop has long been recommended for trial by New Zealand fanners, but only a few fanners have grown it. An annual plant, it is a hardy crop, withstanding frosts and adverse weather conditions, and it gives a fairly heavy yield. Introduced from Japan and China into New Zealand in 1912, trials conducted then with the soya bean gave varying results, but with the importation of better varieties, some excellent returns were obtained. The bean can be utilised as ensilage or hay, and also for the manufacture of concentrated stock food, such as oil cake. In Hawke's Bay, where maize is such a popular crop the soya bean should be just as satisfactory. The soil preparation and crop management are very similar to the methods adopted for the growing of maize. It is sown in rows from two to three feet apart, drilled at the rate of from 20 to 30 pounds of seed per acre. If broadcasted, more seed is required, from 60 to 9(j’ pounds per acre being recommended. Too deep sowing is not advisable, two inches being the maximum. Cultivated the same as maize, a yield of up to three tons of hay per acre can be obtained, the bay being slightly higher in feeding value than lucerne hay. For hay the crop is cut when the pods are well formed, and just before the leaves begin to dry up. As ensilage the soya bean can be grown as a mixture with maize or cow-peas. Farmers in other parts of New Zealand who have grown this crop declare themselves as very satisfied, and that the yields are distinctly profitable. Perhaps next year may see the introduction of the soya bean into Hawke s Bay.