blog

New Soybeans Spur Environmental Benefits

September 02, 2009

Be the first to comment

Farmers can help conserve soil and fuel by implementing a no-till farming system.

By Produce More Conserve More

Field of biotech soybeans.

Since 1966, ‘no-till’ farming has spread rapidly. Considered the most effective tillage system, the soil is left undisturbed from harvest to planting and residue is left on the surface. Agricultural experts link its increasing popularity to herbicide-tolerant biotech crops, like soybeans, cotton and canola. With crops like soybeans, farmers let weeds emerge with their crops. [1]

Curtailing tillage produces many environmental and economic benefits – from reducing soil and wind erosion and generating healthier soil to reducing fuel and equipment costs, lowering the runoff of chemicals into streams and reducing carbon dioxide releases into the atmosphere.

By one estimate, soybean growers have cut fuel use by nearly 1.3 gallons per acre with the a biotech soybean cropping system. And the American Soybean Association estimates that biotech seeds saved 247 million tons of irreplaceable topsoil and 234 million gallons of fuel in 2000 alone.

With biotech soybeans, “it’s not just a small benefit to the environment…it really is huge,” says U.S. soybean farmer Al Skogen. “It’s a great advantage to our water supply and a whole host of other things.” Adds soybean farmer Jay Hardwick, “We’re seeing a new happening on the landscape in terms of wildlife emerging. It’s not only on top of it, but underneath. It’s just a real treat to see that.”

1. 1 Conservation Technology Information Center

Start a discussion

Related content