Hwasun-gun Strengthens Technical Support for Stable Production of Non-GMO Soybeans

Drainage Maintenance → Ridge Formation → Timely Sowing

On the 15th, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do announced that it is focusing on cultivating rice paddy soybeans as part of the government's policy to stabilize rice supply and demand by promoting the cultivation of non-rice crops in rice paddies.

In this regard, the Agricultural Technology Center is strengthening technical support for stable production of rice paddy soybeans as the soybean planting season approaches.

The most important consideration when cultivating soybeans in rice paddies is ensuring proper drainage.

Due to the characteristics of rice paddies, water does not drain well and tends to pool when it rains, which worsens the emergence rate (the rate of seedlings growing into mature plants) and root respiration.

The planting period often coincides with the rainy season, making the crops vulnerable to waterlogging damage.

Therefore, drainage channels should be well maintained in advance before planting. It is recommended to create drainage ditches along the edges of the paddy that are 60?80 cm wide and 50?80 cm deep.

Since rice paddy soybeans are highly susceptible to waterlogging, ridge cultivation with ridges at least 20 cm high is safer.

Ridge formation is done 1 to 3 days before planting because if done too early, the soil becomes compacted. The typical cultivation method is either single-row or double-row planting, with a planting density of 70 cm between rows and 15?20 cm between plants.

The soybean planting period is best decided around early to mid-June, considering weather conditions.

Before planting soybeans, it is advisable to check the weather forecast and complete planting at least three days before heavy rainfall to increase the emergence rate.

If seeds are submerged within three days after planting, the emergence rate can drop by up to 45%, so caution is necessary.

However, if it does not rain within three days, water should be supplied to cover up to 80% of the ridge.

Additionally, diseases and pests that occur during the early growth stage after soybean planting include downy mildew, wilt disease, sclerotinia stem rot, cutworm, and onion borer moth.

An official from the Agricultural Technology Center urged, “To minimize damage from birds and pests during the early growth stage after soybean planting, seed treatment including bird repellents should be applied.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.