MODERN APPROACHES TO SOYBEAN CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

The article examines the specific features of soybean cultivation in European countries, as well as certain aspects of this sector within Ukraine’s agricultural sector. The role of this crop in Europe as a source of protein for livestock production is highlighted. Researchers recommend paying particular attention to cultivar selection, as soybean productivity, seed quality, and the economic efficiency of its cultivation depend largely on the cultivar. It has been established that when cultivars are transferred to different soybean-growing latitudes - from south to north or in the opposite direction− the maturity group and productivity level of the crop generally change. Given this biological characteristic, it is possible to practically regulate certain morphological traits, including plant height (through internode elongation), leafiness, and oil content, while protein content decreases. Particular emphasis is placed on the key elements of soybean cultivation technology in European countries. Today, the European approach to soybean cultivation focuses on environmental safety (the European Green Deal), adaptation to climate change, and maximum biologization. The main direction involves avoiding GMOs, imposing strict restrictions on pesticide use, ensuring comprehensive product traceability, and applying biological products. Thus, biologization as a component of modern production technologies provides farms with significant advantages. Direct cost savings: the cost of a per-hectare application of a high-quality inoculant is several times lower than the cost of an equivalent amount of mineral nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate and urea). Improved crop quality: biologically fixed nitrogen is supplied to the plant evenly throughout the growing season, thereby directly increasing the protein content of soybean grain. Preservation of soil fertility: unlike mineral fertilizers, biologically fixed nitrogen does not acidify the soil, is not leached into groundwater, and does not adversely affect the natural soil microbiome.