Calcium, Phosphorus, and Harvest Stages Effects Soybean Seed Production and Quality

Abstract

ABSTRACT Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) play an important role in growth and development of plants however, their effects on soybean seed production and seed quality in late harvested seed crop has not been studied. Therefore, influence of three rates of calcium (0, 50, 100 kg ha− 1), and phosphorus (0, 45, 90 kg ha− 1) was investigated on seed production and seed quality in soybeans (cv. ‘Hutcheson’) harvested at three stages: (HS-1 = physiological maturity-yellow/brown pods; HS-2 = harvestable maturity-brown/dried pods; and HS-3 = harvested 15 days after HS-2). Results showed that yield components, seed yield and seed quality harvested at HS-1 and HS-2 stages were similar but were significantly higher than seed harvested at HS-3 stage. Calcium applied at 100 kg ha− 1 significantly increased harvest index, yield, and quality of seed. Phosphorus applied at 90 kg ha− 1 significantly increased the number of pods per plant and seed yield. Seed quality (viability and germination % after cold test) was enhanced with application of Ca at 100 and P at 90 kg ha− 1 in comparison to the control. Application of Ca and P significantly improved soybean seed yield and quality but this beneficial effect did not prevent decrease in seed quality if harvesting was delayed.