Influence of seed rate and planting geometry on growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max) varieties

Abstract

A study was conducted during 2015 and 2016 Rudrur, Nizamabad, Telangana, to study the response of 2 varieties, viz. JS 335, Asb 22, and 7 planting geometries vis-a-vis seed rate (30 cm 10 cm, 30 cm 15 cm, 30 cm 30 cm, 45 cm 10 cm, 45 cm 15 cm, 45 cm 30 cm, 45 cm 45 cm) in split-plot design, replicated thrice. Seed yield was significantly influenced by varieties and plant geometries. Between the 2 varieties studied, Asb 22 was found superior to JS 335 with mean seed yield of 2808 kg/ha, being 12% higher over existing variety JS 335 with mean seed yield of 2209 kg/ha. Among plant geometries, 30 cm 15 cm resulted in significantly higher yield (2,874 kg/ha) closely followed by 45 cm 10 cm (2,675 kg/ha) and 45 cm 15 cm (2,614 kg//ha) over the existing spacing 30 cm 10 cm (2,500 kg/ha ). Yield reduction with 30 cm 10 cm was to the extent of 612% compared to plant geometry of 30 cm 15 cm or 45 cm 10 cm. Variety Asb 22 was found economically superior with net returns of `58,519/ha and benefit: cost ratio 2.56, being 40% higher over existing variety JS 335 with net returns of 41,774/ha and benefit: cost ratio of 1.86. Plant geometry with 30 cm 15 cm proved superior with net returns 59,361/ha. However, cultivation of soybean with plant geometry of 45 cm 10 cm or 45 cm 15 cm was on par with 30 cm 15 cm, with net returns of 53,569/ha and 53,444/ha, respectively.