Effects of mulches combination with different SWC on soil properties and soybean production

Abstract

The use of water and nutrient balance in soil for the soybean establishment in farms needs to be the topmost priority without increasing the cost of production is needed in this high soybean consumption country, Japan. The objective of this study is to observe the five levels of water stress intensity on plant growth, yield, irrigation frequency, and soil chemical properties changes with the help of two biodegradable mulches was a goal in this sustainable soybean crop production. An experiment designed with two mulch types, shredded paper (SP) and living mulch clover (CL) with 5 SWC (Soil Water Contents) treatments were monitored for irrigation. Total N increased from the original soil N of 3.05 mg/g to 3.53-4.05 mg/g after harvest particularly under CL at medium SWC-2,3,4 levels (35% -15%). Lower SWC level affected more in CL mulched soybean for competition with nutrient and water resource utilization which led to lower soybean yield and earlier harvest. On the other hand, applying SP mulches benefit soybean yield but the total C/N return to soil results in microbial immobilization. To conclude, the soybean seed yield was highest at SWC level 5 for both mulches and clover plants’ best establishment in the SWC-3 level.