Sofia

Technical profile of the 'Sofia' soybean

The 'Sofia' soybean variety, developed by the Institute of Irrigated Agriculture of the NAAS, is a mid-early maturing cultivar adapted to the intensive farming conditions of Ukraine. The core value of this variety lies in its precise equilibrium between vegetation speed and the accumulation of essential nutrients.

Agrobiological parameters and plant architecture

A vegetation period of 100–110 days classifies this variety as an optimal choice for regions requiring predictable harvesting timelines before the onset of adverse late-autumn weather. With a plant height of 80–90 cm, the variety exhibits a robust, upright habit. This architectural design is critical for mechanical harvesting, as it ensures that the lower pods are positioned at an optimal height to minimize combine harvester losses.

Biochemical grain potential

The 'Sofia' variety consistently delivers a protein content in the 39–41% range. This indicator is the result of focused breeding efforts aimed at maximizing nutrient density within the dry matter. Such high protein concentration makes this variety highly attractive for processing facilities, particularly in the animal feed and food industry sectors.

Practical application and breeding rationale

Originating from the Institute of Irrigated Agriculture, this variety is specifically engineered for stable performance under irrigation schemes. It demonstrates significant resilience to common climatic stressors found in Ukraine, while the balanced stalk height provides excellent lodging resistance. By integrating 'Sofia' into crop rotation, producers gain the ability to precisely manage harvest logistics and consistently secure commodity grain with defined protein quality standards.