The role of soybean for re‐designing European cropping systems

Abstract

Legume‐supported cropping systems affect environmental, production and economic impacts. In Europe, legume production is still marginal with grain legumes covering less than 3% of arable land. A transition towards legume‐supported systems could contribute to a higher level of protein self‐sufficiency and lower environmental impacts of agriculture. Suitable approaches for designing legume‐supported cropping systems are required that go beyond the production of prescriptive solutions. We implemented an interactive research process with scientists and advisors in 16 study areas in nine European countries to understand, explore and develop cropping systems with a focus on soybean and other grain legumes. The results of 24 rotation comparisons showed that grain legume integration decreased N fertilizer use and nitrous oxide emissions (N2O) in more than 90% of the comparisons with reductions ranging from 6‐142 kg N ha‐1 and 1‐6 kg N2O ha‐1, respectively. In over 75% of the rotation comparisons, cropping systems with legumes had lower nitrate leaching.