Soybeans under organic, biodynamic and chemical production at the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Issue Date

8-2007

Abstract

Soybean seed production is a challenge especially during the wet season in Vietnam. Organic production can add value to the enterprise but has not been verified as as viable option. The study was conducted in the 2005 wet season in the Mekong Delta to compare soybean productivity, seed quality and economics of 'OMDNIII,' a recently introduced and formally bred variety, and 'Namvang,' a traditional variety, under four production practices: 'organic' (cow manure at 40-105-10 NPK and selected botanicals); ' biodynamic' (biodynamic preparations); 'chemical' (synthetic fertilizer at 40-60-30 NPK and insecticides); and control (no inputs). Treatments were arranged in a 4 x 2 factorial (with production practice as main plot and variety as subplot) in randomized complete block design with three replications. The results indicate that 'organic is more effective that the 'chemical' practice in soybean seed production. Based on the circular paper chromatographic pattern of the seed extract which indicates formative or live force, biological complexity and enzyme activity, difference between varieties and among production practices were apparent. With 'organic' and 'biodynamic' practices, the seed of 'Namvang' appeared to have strong and more complex chromatographic patterns than 'OMDIIII.' 'Namvang' has smaller seeds, higher seed yield, higher seed quality (germination and vigor at harvest and after 6 weeks storage), and higher protein content than 'OMDNIII.' This was most pronounced under 'organic practice. In general, 'organic ' practice gave the greatest increase in soil organic matter, earthworm population, seed yield and quality, and net returns. 'Biodynamic' practice was a close second or third but generally not significantly different from 'organic' and 'chemical' (control was generally lowest) in terms of number of filled pods, seed yield, leaf area index and root nodule fresh weight. Earthworm population and organic matter was lowest under 'chemical' practice. Pest incidence-related parameters did not affect yield differences.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Crop Science

ISSN

0115-463x

Volume

32

Issue

2

Page

50-61

Document Type

Article

Frequency

tri-quarterly

Physical Description

tables, graphs

Language

English

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