Soybean nutritional quality: introduction of the winter cover crops in soybean rotations

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merill) is a high‐value crop due to its high content of protein and oil, which contribute nutrients to both humans and animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the winter cover crops on soybean nutritional quality. For this purpose, near‐infrared spectroscopy was used, due it is an extremely potent tool in plant‐related field of research for analysis. It is commonly used to estimate characteristics of grain including protein, starch, and oil content. Based on reliable calibration models, the spectral characteristics of the examined sample are related to the content of the component of interest. After mulching of cover crop biomass and conservation tillage, two soybean varieties were sown (NS Mercury, 00 maturity group and NS Altis, 0 maturity group). The field trial was grown under conventional production in agroecological conditions of Southeastern Europe at two sites (Rimski Šančevi and Čurug locations) in 2021.