Can soybeans be grown in a protected environment?

Added on 04 July 2024

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Can soybeans be grown in a protected environment?

Photo: WUR

In principle, essential macronutrients of the human diet, like protein, could technically be produced in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). This aspect becomes relevant in the era of protein transition, marked by an increasing consumer interest in plant-based protein and environmental challenges faced by conventional farming. However, the real question is: what does the indoor cultivation of protein crops imply in terms of resource use? To address this, a study was conducted by the Greenhouse Horticulture and Flower Bulbs Business Unit of Wageningen University & Research using a vertical farm experiment focusing on two soybean cultivars. The results were published early this year.

Protein crops (such as legumes) for human consumption and animal feed are mainly grown in open fields. Compared with major arable crops (e.g. wheat), legumes deliver ecological benefits to cropping systems (such as improved soil quality and fertility). On the other hand, there are many drawbacks associated with open-field cultivations such as high water and land use, erratic yields due to unfavorable climatic conditions and susceptibility to pests and diseases. Controlled environment agriculture, such as greenhouses and vertical farm systems, is less (or not at all) dependent on the outdoor climate, allows growth factors to be steered (depending on the degree of technology implemented) and crop responses to be studied.