This soya bean system mirrors the scratch-dibble-slash-weed approach we use for maize, adapted for the particular requirements of soya.
Soya seed — five local varieties are being trialled this season.
Plant on 90 cm spacing and follow the shallow ridges from the previous year. Punch holes with the dibble stick approximately 15 cm apart in the row.
Plant 5–6 seeds per hole.
Each hole is covered with decomposed cattle manure at approximately 2,000 kg/ha.
Soya germinating through the manure cover.
Weeds are slashed as the seeds germinate. The slashed grass acts as mulch and decomposes to add nutrients to the soil.
Slashed weeds form a mulch layer between the soya rows.
One cultivation takes place approximately 3–4 weeks later. After this, the soya forms a complete canopy and further weeding is not required.
Soya forms a complete canopy — no further weeding required.
A five-variety trial is underway this season. Results will be posted following the harvest.
Tags: Cropping · Farming · Low-input · Organic · Soya