The possibility of introduction and cultivation of vegetable soybean in the Amur Region

Abstract

Soybean as a valuable fodder and oilseed crop has taken the primary place in agriculture of the Amur region, occupying 75.4% of the total sown area in 2021. However, research and experimental data on the vegetable alternative of soybean for the region are insignificant. This study suggests that given complex economic, cultural, and climatic conditions changes, successful introduction and cultivation of vegetable soybean Edamame is timely and needs investigation. The climatic conditions analysis demonstrated that the mean annual temperatures increased in the observed period (1910-2021). Analysis of the similarities and differences in grain and vegetable soybean cultivation, including necessary agricultural machinery, suggested that partial re-equipment of the technical base for harvesting and postharvest processing of vegetable soybean could make it fully possible to cultivate Edamame. Given the high vulnerability of vegetable soybean to excess moisture and a tendency of the Amur region loamy soils to waterlogging, drainage amelioration measures were recommended. It is concluded that for the efficient cultivation of Edamame, further substantial research and longitudinal field studies of profitability, region-specific agrotechnology, and appropriate soybean varieties are necessary.