Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University tests silage soybean yields

Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University (NÖHÜ) has reported successful results from its second-crop silage soybean trials conducted at the Ayhan Şahenk Agricultural Application and Research Center. The study achieved an average yield of 2,485 kilograms per decare under the specific climatic and soil conditions of Niğde.

The research aims to supplement the protein content of corn silage rather than replacing it. By combining the high energy content of corn with the protein-rich nature of soybean, the project seeks to create a more balanced feed and reduce farmers' dependence on expensive external protein sources. Additionally, the nitrogen-fixing properties of soybeans are expected to enhance soil fertility within crop rotation systems.

The trials involved four different soybean varieties: the early-maturing Lider and Victoria (from ProGen), the mid-early Yemsoy (developed by the Adana East Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute), and the late-maturing Yeşilsoy. NÖHÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Uslu noted that these scientific solutions aim to meet the needs of the agriculture and livestock sectors while promoting regional development and sustainable farming practices.