Sustainability has become the subject of very many conversations in the modern age. People are increasingly concerned about their effect on the environment and their carbon footprint. As a result, every field is developing new ways of performing their ordinary tasks without hurting the environment. One field that is making attempts like these is the soy industry.

Are you wondering how soy farming has embraced sustainability and is contributing to the fight against the deterioration of the environment? Read on to find out.

What Is Sustainable Soy Production?

Sustainable soy production incorporates different sustainable practices in different stages of the supply chain. Sustainability in soy production can start right from sustainable farming in the soy plantations to the endpoint, which is the consumer.

The reasoning behind sustainable soy production is that there is an increase in the demand for adequate protein within the market. Unfortunately, there is not enough land and other resources, such as water, to sustain the production of sufficient soy to meet the growing demand. Therefore, farmers must look for a way to meet the growing demand without depleting the scarce resources.

The answer to this concern is using sustainable practices on the farm.

Benefits Of Sustainable Soy Production in House Construction 

Sustainable soy production has a wide range of benefits to the environment, farmers, and consumers of soy protein. Here are just a few of these benefits.

1. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Environmental scientists and researchers have concluded that one of the primary causes of climate change and global warming is greenhouse gas emissions. These include gasses such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, and methane. While most of these gasses are ordinarily produced in industrial processes, they are also common in agriculture. In fact, statistics indicate that at least 10% of all greenhouse gasses come from farms through processes such as burning, using synthetic fertilizers, and mismanagement of manure, among others.

Sustainable practices on soy farms can help bring down these gasses significantly. For example, soy farmers reduce their reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to reduce the greenhouse gasses from such processes.

2. Efficient Use Of Resources

As mentioned above, resources have become scarce in recent times. Farmers have to be cautious about how much water goes into the farm, what supplements they use, and how much is spent on the farm. Sustainable practices can reduce the strain on existing resources to ensure that there is enough even for future seasons.

For example, by using sustainable farming methods such as drip irrigation, farmers can reduce the waste of water. This helps optimize water usage, which means there will be enough left for drinking and other agricultural processes on the farm.

3. Improved Soil Health And Fertility

Planting a single crop on a farm tends to deplete the nutrient content of the soil. This affects soil health and can lead to undesired events such as soil erosion and reduced fertility. Sustainable farming methods consider the best way to optimize soil use in farming to ensure that these undesired events do not occur.

Some of the best techniques soy farmers use to preserve soil health and maintain fertility include using cover crops, employing regular crop rotation, and practicing conservation tillage. In doing so, they help preserve the integrity of the soil for future planting seasons.

4. Enhanced Productivity

Many farmers often refuse to change to sustainable practices in farming as they are concerned about how profitable it might be. At first, switching to sustainable practices in farming can look like an unproductive option.

After all, haven't ordinary farming methods served the farmer for years? However, you will be pleased to know that sustainable practices exponentially increase productivity. You will not only enjoy a great harvest for the current season, but you will also preserve the resources on your farm for the future.

5. Cost Savings

Sustainable farming practices focus on reducing wastage and obtaining the most from renewable resources. These farming methods can help save a lot of your production costs. For instance, using renewable energy sources like solar power on the farm reduces your electric bill.

Also, the more you save on water, fertilizer, and seeds, the more you will have for the next season. Ultimately, you will spend very little every season planting soy.

6. Reduced Risk Of Chemicals In Food

Finally, sustainable farming methods reduce the likelihood of farm supplements and chemicals leaching into our food. Nowadays, many people are shifting to eating organic foods to care for their health. It can be quite unfortunate to find a situation where these people who eat organically sourced food still end up inadvertently eating chemicals.

If you switch to sustainable farming methods that avoid chemical pesticides and farm supplements, you reduce the chances of this happening.

Final Thoughts

We have a responsibility to our current generation and future ones to ensure that we don't deplete our natural resources. That is why sustainable farming methods are crucial for soy production.

As the need for soy protein continues to grow, using sustainable production methods helps you achieve your production goals while still caring for the environment.

Sustainable farming benefits you, the farmer, your customers, the environment, and future generations. So, what are you waiting for? Switch to sustainable methods of producing soy today and enjoy these benefits!

Guest Contributor: Jessica Smith