Soybean Advocacy - A New Perspective on Nutrition

Author: Xu Shwei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features:
Small Reference: The Origin of "Three Materials"
What are "Three Materials"? They are abbreviations for feed, fertilizer, and fuel. In today's era of revering nature, you must enjoy traveling and relaxing in the vast rural landscapes. Perhaps you will have the chance to visit the fields in Northeast China during the summer, where you will see vast expanses of soybean fields stretching as far as the eye can see. It's as if a huge green carpet has been laid out. The low, lush plants with their interlaced compound leaves sway gently in the breeze, resembling a group of shy and graceful young ladies dancing lightly. Don't underestimate these unassuming soybean stems, branches, and leaves—they not only serve the functions of transporting and synthesizing nutrients but are also rich in nutrients themselves. Since ancient times, people have regarded them as ideal feed, fertilizer, and fuel, making them an important source of "Three Materials."
First, let's talk about feed. 50 kilograms of fresh soybean leaves contain 34.9 kilograms of water, 31 kilograms of protein, 9.5 kilograms of fat, and 30 kilograms of carbohydrates. Even after maturation, the crude protein content in the stems and leaves of soybeans is higher than that of other cereal crops. Therefore, the stems, branches, and leaves of soybeans are highly favored by livestock as premium feed.
Next, let's discuss fertilizer. After harvesting the fruits, the stems and leaves of soybeans can be buried in the ground to serve as fertilizer for the following year. The stems and leaves of one acre of soybeans are equivalent to 1.5 cubic meters of farm fertilizer. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it also doesn't cost a penny.
Finally, let's talk about fuel. Since soybean stalks are easily ignitable and burn with high heat, farmers have long had the habit of burning them. However, using soybean stalks as fuel is somewhat because the value of using soybean stems and leaves as feed or fertilizer far exceeds burning them.