The paper presents the results of long-term research on the oil productivity and chemical composition of soybean oil of the Northern ecotype varieties in the Central Non-Black Earth Region. The authors consider its possible use for biodiesel production. Experiments on growing soybeans were carried out on the experimental fi eld of Russian State Agrarian University –Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy (2008-2019) on recognized ultra-early ripening varieties of the Northern ecotype Mageva, Svetlaya, Okskaya (ripeness group 000). Tests were set and the research results were analyzed using standard approved methods. It has been shown that in conditions of high latitudes (57°N), limited thermal resources of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia (the sum of active temperatures of the growing season not exceeding 2000°С), the yield and productivity of soybeans depend on the variety and moisture supply. Over the years, the average yield of soybeans amounted to 1.94 … 2.62 t/ha, oil productivity – 388 … 544 kg/ha, oil content – 19…20%, the content of oleic and linoleic fatty acids in oil – 60%, and their output from seeds harvested – 300 kg/ha. It has been established that as soybean oil and diesel fuel have similar properties,they can be mixed by conventional methods in any proportions and form stable blends that can be stored for a long time. Experimental studies on the use of soybean oil for biodiesel production were carried out on a D-245 diesel engine (4 ChN11/12.5). The concentrations of toxic components (CO, CHx, and NOx) in the diesel exhaust gases were determined using the SAE-7532 gas analyzer. The smoke content of the exhaust gases was measured with an MK-3 Hartridge opacimeter. It has been experimentally established that the transfer of a diesel engine from diesel fuel to a blend of 80% diesel fuel and 20% lubrication oil leads to a change in the integral emissions per test cycle: nitrogen oxides in 0.81 times, carbon monoxide in 0.89 times and unburned hydrocarbons in 0.91 times, i.e. when biodiesel as used as a motor fuel in a serial diesel engine, emissions of all gaseous toxic components are reduced. The study has confi rmed the expediency of using soybeans of the Northern ecotype for biofuel production.
