Soybean Crop Production Research Articles

EFFECT OF BIOFERTILIZERS ON SOYBEAN GROWTH AND THEIR KEY PEST DENSITIES AS ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TOWARD SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is one of the most important crops belong to the leguminous family native to East Asia. Chemical fertilizers are widely used to increase production in quantity and quality. As a result of the harmful effects caused by chemical fertilizers, it become necessary to find alternative solutions as sustainable approach toward supply plant by elements needs such as biofertilizers. In this study, Bradyrhizobium japonicum alone or in combination of microorganism inoculation included (B. japonicum, Bacillus subtilis, Glomus mosseae, and Anabaena azollae) were tested toward soybean growth parameters under open field condition. Results showed that there is a significant differences in terms of plant height, vegetative and dry grain of soybean and other parameters with combined inoculation and B. japonicum alone in compare with control treatments. Moreover, key pest larval density were also affected by treatments such as Popillia japonica, Spodoptera littoralis and Agrotis ipsilon. The results suggest the use of specific combination of microorganism is recommended as alternative approaches toward sustainable agriculture production of soybean crop.

Relation of soybean productivity to the functioning of the symbiotic and photosynthetic apparatuses

Background. Increasing the yield of soybean necessitates the maintenance of a high protein level in seeds, and therefore the process of fixing atmospheric N2. Seed inoculation with soybean nitrogen-fixing bacteria is known to improve N2-fixation and soybean grain yield. At the same time, the introduction of new nodule bacteria strains into preparations for soybean inoculation requires the study of their influence on the main interconnected physiological processes that form the basis of leguminous plants productivity – N2-fixation and photosynthesis. The aim of the work was to study the relationship of vegetative growth and grain productivity of soybean inoculated with new nodule bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains of different functional activity with the plants’ symbiotic and photosynthetic apparatuses functioning. Materials and Methods. The research was carried out on symbiotic systems created with soybean plants (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) of the Almaz variety and nodule bacteria B. japonicum strains: analytically selected PC09, and recombinant strains B157, B201, D45, D52 (pSUP5011::Tn5mob) and C30 (pSUP2021::Tn5) from the N2-fixing microorganisms museum collection of the Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics NAS of Ukraine. Research methods – microbiological, biochemical and physiological, statistical analysis. Results. It was found that the N2-fixing activity (NFA) of nodules formed by B. japoni­cum PC09, D45, D52, B157 and B201 strains at the stage of 3 true leaves exceeded the NFA of nodules formed by Tn5-mutant C30 by 1.6–4.0 times, and at the stage of budding–beginning of flowering – by 4.2–6.2 times. Highly active strains also differed from each other in NFA, although to a lesser extent than with strain C30. On the basis of a comparative analysis of the physiological indices of soybean inoculated with B. japonicum strains of different activity, close positive linear correlations were found between NFA, photosynthetic rate, and the biological and grain productivity of plants. Conclusions. The results obtained indicate that the higher the nodulating and NFA of rhizobia in the symbiotic system soybean–Bradyrhizobium japonicum, the higher the functional activity of photosynthetic apparatus formed by plants. This provides a more complete genetic potential release of soybean crop productivity.

Effect of Moisture Depletion Rate and Irrigation Water Depth on the Productivity and Water Use Efficiency of Soybean Crop (Glycine max L.) Merr. under Drip Irrigation and Fixed Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

Background: Water management and its appropriate use are priorities in arid and semi-arid areas across the globe. Methods: A field experiment was carried out at Hisar in Al-Tunkopry district, Kirkuk Governorate, during 2023 summer season. Split-split plot design was adopted to implement the experiment, using randomized complete blocks design (RCBD). The main plots included irrigation method factor (sprinkler and drip) and the moisture depletion rate was placed in the sub plots (60 and 70% of the available water) while varing irrigation depth were placed in the sub-sub plots (50, 75 and 100)% of the net irrigation depth. Result: Results of the study revealed that the water requirement of the soybean crop under the sprinkler irrigation system reached 1275.9 and 1272.9 mm season-1 at 100% of net irrigation depth and at moisture depletion rates of 60 and 70%, respectively and in drip irrigation system it reached 1170.6 and 1201 mm season-1 for an irrigation level of 100% of the net irrigation depth and at a moisture depletion rate of 60 and 70%, respectively. The yield coefficient values (0.52, 0.90, 1.01, 0.90) and (0.44, 0.85, 0.96, 0.52) at a moisture depletion of 60% for the two methods (drip and sprinkler irrigation). The highest seed yield was 4.094 Mg ha-1 for the sprinkler irrigation treatment with a moisture depletion rate of 60% and an irrigation water level of 50% of the net irrigation depth, while the lowest yield was 2.41800 Mg ha-1 for the drip irrigation treatment with a moisture depletion rate of 60 and a level of 75% of the net depth. The drip irrigation achieved the highest water use efficiency 0.607072 kg m-3, in comparison to the sprinkler irrigation 0.362063 kg m-3.

The Effect of Barrier Use on Population Development and Attacks of B.tabaci Genn. on Soybean Plantations

Soybean (Glycine max (L) Merrill) is one of the food crop commodities in Indonesia. Soybean crop productivity decreased due to one of them being attack of B. tabaci Genn. One of the ways for controlling B. tabaci Genn. pests in soybean cultivation is by using a barrier. Barrier is an integrated pest management (IPM) which is based on ecological balance in nature. Pests are prevented from coming and attacking crops by using various forms of barriers that can slow down the movement of pests. The use of barriers can be a useful tool to reduce the development of B. tabaci Genn. on planting. This study was conducted to determine the effect of using a barrier on the population and attack of B. tabaci Genn. The barriers used in this study are plastic barriers, organdy barriers, sunflower barriers, and corn plant barriers. The study used a randomized block design with 5 treatments, namely P1 = control, P2 = organdy barrier, P3 = sunflower barrier, P4 = corn plant barrier and P5 = plastic barrier. The data obtained were then analyzed using ANOVA variance and further tested using the DMRT test at 5% level. The observed variables were population and attack intensity on B. tabaci Genn. in soybean planting areas, visits by other pests and soybean yields.

CRISPR/CasRx-mediated resistance to Soybean mosaic virus in soybean

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV), an RNA virus, is the most common and destructive pathogenic virus in soybean fields. The newly developed CRISPR/Cas immune system has provided a novel strategy for improving plant resistance to viruses; hence, this study aimed to engineer SMV resistance in soybean using this system. Specifically, multiple sgRNAs were designed to target positive- and/or negative-sense strands of the SMV HC-Pro gene. Subsequently, the corresponding CRISPR/CasRx vectors were constructed and transformed into soybeans. After inoculation with SMV, 39.02%, 35.77%, and 18.70% of T1 plants were confirmed to be highly resistant (HR), resistant (R), and mildly resistant (MR) to SMV, respectively, whereas only 6.50% were identified as susceptible (S). Additionally, qRT-PCR and DAS-ELISA showed that, both at 15 and 30 d post-inoculation (dpi), SMV accumulation significantly decreased or was even undetectable in HR and R plants, followed by MR and S plants. Additionally, the expression level of the CasRx gene varied in almost all T1 plants with different resistance level, both at 15 and 30 dpi. Furthermore, when SMV resistance was evaluated in the T2 generation, the results were similar to those recorded for the T1 generation. These findings provide new insights into the application of the CRISPR/CasRx system for soybean improvement and offer a promising alternative strategy for breeding for resistance to biotic stress that will contribute to the development of SMV-immune soybean germplasm to accelerate progress towards greater soybean crop productivity.

Pengaruh Pemberian Kompos Campuran Ampas Tebu dan Kotoran Ayam terhadap Kesuburan Ultisol dan Hasil Produksi Kedelai (Glycine max (L.) merril)

Ultisol is a soil that contains low nutrients N, P and K and has the potential for Al-poisoning. Ultisol also has a low Cation Exchange Capacity, acidic soil pH and is sensitive to erosion. Improvements need to be made to increase Ultisol productivity, one of which is by adding organic ingredients. In addition to sugarcane bagasse compost, chicken manure contains many benefits because it contains a lot of organic materials that are good for the soil and plants. Increasing soybean yield is one of the priorities and can be done by utilizing Ultisol land. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of composting a mixture of bagasse and chicken manure on ultisol fertility and soybean crop production. The research method carried out is experimental by conducting initial analysis of soil samples, compost application, maintenance, harvesting, soil analysis after compost application, calculation of height and crop yield. The results obtained were that the application of mixed compost of bagasse and chicken manure did not have a real effect on soil pH, P-available and Aldd, but could increase soil pH and P-available and lower Aldd in the soil. The application of mixed compost of bagasse and chicken manure was significantly different from plant height and was very different for soybean yield with the highest crop P3 (average plant height of 84.678 cm) and the highest yield of P3 3.938 tons/ha. The recommended treatment for soybean plants is P3 treatment with a dose of 15 tons/ha.

Análisis de mecanismos bioquímico-fisiológicos involucrados en las respuestas a sequía en soja

Water deficit limits soybean crop productivity and reduces yield stability. Many parameters have been associated with tolerance to water deficit, where the control of leaf water loss is by far the most important. Since most of the water loss occurs through the stomata, the objective of this thesis was to deepen the understanding of the response to water deficit in soybeans through the control of stomatal closure and to determine how this can affect the water consumption of soybeans and its tolerance to water deficit. To achieve this, we delved into the study of stomatal closure control. We focused on the role of nitric oxide (•NO) as a key molecule in the control of stomatal opening/closing. •NO kinetic accumulation was analyzed from the establishment of the hydric deficit, and its association with stomatal closure was assessed. Our work showed an endogenous •NO accumulation at the guard cell level before stomatal closure, which allowed us to postulate that in the early perception of stress there is an accumulation of •NO that inhibits stomatal closure, potentially through blocking responses to ABA. This initial fine control of the stomatal closure by •NO would be decisive to define the final responses of water loss/consumption during the establishment of the water deficit. Furthermore, we developed an empirical mathematical model in soybean that describes the kinetics of water consumption under water deficit conditions of a controlled plant-pot-substrate growth system. The model defined two parameters that determine the water consumption curve, t0.5 (time at which the system lost half of the maximum amount of potentially evapotranspirable water) and Gw(t0.5) (stomatal conductance at t0.5). A correspondence analysis between t0.5 and Gw(t0.5), and the genetic structure of two soybean populations, indicated the existence of genetic associations with consumption phenotypes based on these parameters. On the other hand, using data from the drought susceptibility index (DSI) in the field, generated by previous work on one of the populations of this thesis, and through a correspondence analysis, a grouping between the model parameter t0.5 and DSI is observed. This would indicate that the developed phenotyping strategy could also be useful in the characterization of genotypes at the field level.

Agribusiness analysis of seed producer supports increased soybean production in East Java production centre areas

ABSTRACT Quality seeds are one of the main technological components for increasing soybean crop production. Until now the use of quality soybean seeds in Indonesia only reaches 30%. The constraints of providing soybean quality seeds still often occur. The objectives of this study are to identify the financial feasibility of soybean seed producer in various uses of soybean products; to identify socio-economic constraints on soybean seed producer and to propose a strategy for developing soybean seed producer agribusiness in East Java province. The survey was conducted on soybean seed growers and soybean farmers who planted soybeans in the 2022 growing season. The results showed that the R/C ratio of producers for seed purposes, producers for consumption purposes, and soybean farmers are 1.34, 1.23 and 1.2, respectively. Threats faced by soybean seed producers include suboptimal post-harvest handling and the rapidly decreasing soybean seed germination. The strategy in developing soybean seed producer that can be proposed are: growing soybean seed farmers at each production centre location to meet the needs of seeds on time, quantity, variety, agroclimate, quality, and price, so as to meet the need of local farmers quickly, and reduce the risk of rapidly decreasing seed germination.

The Relationship between Climate, Agriculture and Land Cover in Matopiba, Brazil (1985–2020)

Climate change has been at the forefront of discussions in the scientific, economic, political, and public spheres. This study aims to analyze the impacts of climate change in the Matopiba region, assessing its relationship with land cover and land use, soybean crop production and yield, and ocean–atmosphere anomalies from 1985 to 2020. The analysis was conducted in four parts: (1) trends in annual and intra-annual climate changes, (2) the spatiotemporal dynamics of land cover and use, (3) the spatiotemporal dynamics of soybean production and yield, and (4) the relationship between climate change, agricultural practices, land cover and use, and ocean–atmosphere anomalies. Statistical analyses, including Mann–Kendall trend tests and Pearson correlation, were applied to understand these relationships comprehensively. The results indicate significant land cover and use changes over 35 years in Matopiba, with municipalities showing increasing soybean production and yield trends. There is a rising trend in annual and intra-annual maximum temperatures, alongside a decreasing trend in annual precipitation in the region. Intra-annual climate trends provide more specific insights for agricultural calendar planning. No correlation was found between the climate change trends and soybean production and yield in the evaluated data attributed to genetic and technological improvements in the region. The North Atlantic Ocean shows a positive correlation with soybean agricultural variables. Evidence suggests soybean production and yield growth under climate change scenarios. This study highlights soybeans’ adaptation and climate resilience in the Matopiba region, providing valuable insights for regional agricultural development and contributing to further research in environmental, water-related, social, and economic areas of global interest.

Streptomyces N2A, an endophytic actinobacteria that promotes soybean growth and increases yield and seed quality under field conditions

Sustainable agriculture based on the use of soil-beneficial microbes such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and biocontrol agents (BCA) is gaining great consideration to reduce the use of agrochemicals for crop production. With this aim, in this study, a total of 78 actinobacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere and endosphere of soybean roots. Based on in vitro compatibility with Bradyrhizobium japonicum, the ability to produce phytohormones, siderophores, exo-enzymes, antifungal compounds and phosphate solubilization (PGPR traits), two endophytic strains, named N2A and N9, were selected to evaluate their effects on plant growth and development at greenhouse and field conditions. Greenhouse trials showed significantly promoted seedling emergence compared to control and the conventional fungicide treatment. Analysis of growth and development associated parameters at reproductive stages and maturity at greenhouse, but also and most importantly, in field experiments showed significant improvements. Plant biomass, node number, pod number, and consequently yield, were higher in plants previously treated with N2A and co-inoculated with B. japonicum compared to the conventional seed treatment. Furthermore, a significant increase in health status and vigor was observed for seeds harvested from the N2A-treated plants in relation to seeds obtained from the conventional treatment. Thus, we demonstrated that Streptomyces sp. N2A can replace traditional chemical fungicides to protect the seed during germination, allowing good implantation, but also, stimulating the growth and development of soybean crop increasing yield and seed quality at field conditions. Altogether, this supports the potential use of Streptomyces N2A as a PGPR for soybean crop production more efficiently and sustainably.

Soybean Seed Coat Cracks and Green Seeds—Predisposing Conditions, Identification and Management

Seed coat cracking and green seeds threaten soybean crop production. Seed coat cracking results from a complex interplay of genetic factors, environmental stresses, and crop management practices. Green seeds, linked to water deficit, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental stresses, exhibit reduced quality and viability. The intricate relationships between seed coat integrity and seed permeability, influenced by the lignin content, porosity, and color, play a pivotal role in seed germination, storage potential, and resistance to field stresses. These issues reverberate through the soybean agricultural supply chain. Strategic interventions are crucial to address these abnormalities and ensure soybean productivity. Seed germination and vigor are reduced due to seed coat cracking and green seeds, undermining food security and necessitating additional resources for disease management. The occurrence and identification of green seeds and seeds with cracks in the seed coat were also reported by identifying the genes and QTLs (quantitative trait loci) associated with these characteristics. Herbicides, commonly used in weed management, may offer a strategic approach to mitigating seed coat cracking and green seed occurrence. Understanding the complex interactions between the genetics, environmental factors, and management practices influencing seed abnormalities is essential as global climate change intensifies. This review emphasizes the need for integrated strategies, balanced plant nutrition, and cohesive phytosanitary management to mainly alleviate seed coat cracking and greenish occurrences in soybeans and other plant species.

The fishbone diagram analysis to know the factors that influence the decreasing interest of farmers in the cultivation of soybean

Soybean crop productivity in The Pracimantoro District ranked second in Wonogiri Regency in 2021. However, over time the stability of production has decreased. One thing that causes the decline in soybean production in Pracimantoro District is the decreased interest of farmers in cultivating. This study aimed to determine the factors causing the declining interest of farmers in planting soybeans. The research location was conducted in Pracimantoro District, Wonogiri Regency. The data in this study are primary data and secondary data. Primary data is data are taken directly from the research location through direct observation at the location, interviews with relevant stakeholders, and filling out questionnaires. Secondary data is obtained through agencies related to this research, tabulated and descriptive, and literature searches supporting this research. Analysis method of data using the fishbone diagram. The results showed that the factors that influence the decline in farmers' interest in cultivating soybeans are sources of plant pest and disease risks, sources of input risk and soybean production techniques and sources of risk in the business environment. Some pests and diseases that often arise and attack soybean commodities are leaf spot, whitefly, caterpillar/pod caterpillar, leafhopper, stink bug, bacterial wilt and javelin/ladybug. The Risks from nature is that high rainfall and changing climatic conditions also make it difficult for farmers to grow soybeans. The risk from the production input sector is the unstable quality, quantity, and price of seeds, pesticides and fertilizers. Moreover, other influencing factors exist, such as the entry of imported soybeans, price games at middlemen, the absence of a lower price limit for local soybeans, and post-harvest limitations.

Response of Phosphorus, Sulphur and Foliar Spray of GA3 on Nutrient Content and Uptake of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill

Background: Soybean is an important oil seed crop grown in a varied range of climate and soils in India. Phosphorous and sulphur is an important macronutrient required for plants. Their deficiency in soil is a worldwide concern for production of oil seed crops. The gibberellic acid involved in plant growth and development. Therefore, investigation was carry out to study influenced of phosphorus, sulphur and gibberellic acid on nutrient content and uptake of soybean. Methods: An experiment conducted during kharif-2020 on soybean in sub-sub split plot design with three replications. The twenty four treatment combinations were comprised viz. four levels of phosphorus (Control, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1), three levels of sulphur (15, 30 and 45 kg ha-1) and two levels of gibberellic acid (Foliar spray of GA3 @ 75 ppm and no spray). Result: Results revealed that application of 40 kg phosphorus ha-1 and 30 kg sulphur ha-1 is optimum dose for obtaining higher available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur in the soil after crop harvest, nutrient content in seed and straw and uptake of soybean crop. The foliar spray of gibberellic acid @ 75 ppm is also beneficial for improving productivity and profitability of soybean crop.

IMPACT OF RHIZOSPHERIC, NODULATION AND SOIL MICROBIOME ON SOYBEAN AND RICE GROWTH FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Microorganisms are critical for the survival of life on Earth, but we know very little about the vast majority ofmicrobes. We studied the culturable soybean root, soil, and nodules microbiome here. Thirty bacterial sampleswere isolated from different localities of soybean crops, including soil, root, and nodules, to assess their abilityfor plant growth promotion. To evaluate the richness and diversity in the root and soil, we performed the mostprobable number (MPN) test. Seven of the bacterial isolates were able to produce cellulase, in which JSW1 andJSW6 were most efficient with 2.56 and 2.05 cellulolytic index. All isolates were able to grow and utilizedpectin, in which JSW2 and JSW3 were most efficient with 0.8 and 0.66 pectinolytic index. Pikovskaya mediamodified with TCP JSW1 and JSW2 showed a 3.0 and 2.33 solubility index, and on CaCO 3 media, the JSW1strain produced a 1.58 solubilization index. All bacterial isolates were phylogenetically identified by sequencingand analyzing the 16S rRNA gene. Under controlled conditions, consortia, Pantoea dispersa, and Rhizobiumsp. isolates considerably improved rice root dry weight by 53%, 75%, and 69% and shoot dry weight by 85%,71%, and 76%. Based on in vitro characterization, the potential bacteria Pantoea dispersa, Pseudomonaskoreensis, and Rhizobium sp. were selected to be evaluated for plant growth, nodulation, and grain yield underfield experiment. Under field conditions, Rhizobium sp and Pseudomonas koreensis were found best as singleinoculation by improving 53% and 49% grain yield, respectively. These potential bacteria could be used asbiofertilizers for soybean crop productivity.

Effects of warming and drought on growth and development of soybean in Hailun region.

As a result of global warming, drought, flooding, change in the rainfall pattern, etc. occur frequently. All these natural disasters could cause serious damage to the food security. Soybean is one of the most important oil crops in China. In recent years, the changing climate has brought many uncertain risks to the growth and production of soybean. In this study, based on the local meteorological, soil, and soybean growth-related experimental data, the effects of high temperature and drought stress on soybean were tested. The test parameters were leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter weight, while the analytical tool used was World Food Studies Model crop model. The research was carried out in Hailun City, Heilongjiang Province, China. The results showed that warming stress shortened the growth period of soybean and reduced the LAI and dry matter accumulation. On the other hand, drought stress also showed a significant impact on the growth period as well as reduced LAI and dry matter accumulation. Comparing the whole growth as well as the flowering-stage to seed-filling-stage treatments of soybean, the results were found very similar. It indicated that the soybean growth from flowering to seed-filling stage was strongly affected by the external environmental factors. The high temperature and drought disasters in the fruiting stages would have a greater impact on the growth and production of soybean crop.

FEASIBILITY STUDY OF UTILIZING SOYBEAN AS AN INTERCROP PLANT IN IMMATURE OIL PALM AS AN EFFORT TO INCREASE THE INCOME OF OIL PALM FARMERS

Land utilization in immature palm oil is very helpful for oil palm farmers to get a source of income when their palm oil crops is still immature. In addition, these intercrops can also be used as ground cover plants, which can prevent erosion and evaporation of the soil. The research was conducted in the experimental garden of the Institut Teknologi Sawit Indonesia (ITSI). The research time was 3 months. The purpose of this research is to determine the feasibility study of soybean business as an intercrop in immature crop land whether or not this soybean crop is profitable. If it is profitable then farmers can receive income from this soybean intercrop before the palm oil plants can be harvested. The results of the research conducted are the production of soybean crops on immature palm oil land with a distance of 20 cm x 20 cm on 2 beds with a bed size of 4 m x 1 m is 10 kg. The total production cost of soybean intercrops in immature palm oil is Rp.86,861. Income on soybean crops in immature palm oil is Rp.130,000. The profit on soybean intercrops in immature oil palm is Rp.43,139. Soybean crops (Grobogan variety) in immature palm oil are financially and economically feasible, with an R/C value > 1, so the farming business is profitable. Break Event Point of soybean intercrops at immature oil palm, BEP production 6.68 kg BEP price Rp.8,686.

The effect of bokashi fertilizer from agricultural waste contain Trichoderma to improve soybean production, growth, and resistance against plant diseases

This study focus on the development agent of biological control based on technologies used Trichoderma mix with bokashi fertilizer from agricultural waste. This study arranged in a randomized block design (RBD) in a factorial pattern, factor I is a type of decomposer microorganism that consisted of three treatments (M1: EM4 decomposer, M2: Trichoderma decomposer, M3: EM4 decomposer and Trichoderma), and factor II is the type of agricultural waste, consisted of four treatments (L1: soybean plant waste, L2: rice crop waste, L3: corn plant waste, and L4: a mixture of various agricultural waste) so there were 12 combinations of treatments with three repetitions. The observations data have been analyzed used variance and continued with the Duncan multiple distance test (DMRT) at the 95% confidence level. The result showed the application of bokashi from agricultural waste using EM4 and Trichoderma can increase plant growth, plant production, and resistance from plant pathogenic both independently and interactively, especially for Cucumber Mozaic Virus (CMV) and Soybean Mozaic Virus (SMV). In the other hand, the experimental study confirms that the Legume agricultural waste (L1), EM4 decomposers, and Trichoderma (M3) are the best combination to increase the growth, production, and durability of soybean crops either by main-treatment or interaction treatment compared to other treatments.

Compounded Biological Soil Conditioner for Soybean Crop Production at Brazil

Aim: To evaluate the agronomic efficiency of Bacillus-based soil conditioner on soybean crop development and productivity in different cropping areas.
 Study Design: Randomized complete block design with six treatments and eight replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: Municipalities of Uberlândia, Paracatú, Araxá and Guarda Mor, all in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, during the 2019/20 season.
 Methodology: The treatments consisted of untreated control, 300 kg ha-1 of mineral fertilizer, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 L ton-1 of Bacillus-based soil conditioner applied to mineral fertilizer (BSC2.0; BSC2.5; BSC3.0; BSC3.5). Leaf and grain P and K concentration, soybean yield components (grains per pod, pods per plant, weight of a thousand grains) and grain yield were evaluated. Data were subject to ANOVA at P = 0.10. Treatments means were separated using the Duncan test at a 0.10 level of significance. 
 Results: The biological soil conditioner (BSC) had a statistically superior response than mineral fertilizer in all evaluated doses. In Uberlândia, the BSC2.0 treatment was more efficient in increasing the foliar P concentration in soybean. In Araxá, BSC3.0 provided greater grain yield, as it increased the number of pods per plant and soybean yield. BSC3.5 obtained higher grain yield in Paracatú and Guarda Mor. The average soybean yield achieved in all areas was higher than that obtained in the state of Minas Gerais.
 Conclusion: This study revealed that using Bacillus-based soil conditioner on soybean crops is a valuable strategy to increase the soil activity, development and crop yield.

An Analysis of Growth Pattern and Volatility in Area, Production and Yield of Soybean in Major Producing States of India

Agriculture is one of the important sector of our Indian economy. Among agriculture various agricultural crops, oilseeds plays a major role by placing India at the 4th largest producer of oilseed in the world. Cultivation of oilseeds is done under 15-20 per cent of total area at global level (Kumar and Tiwari, 2020). Oilseeds group also considered to be one of the great sources of oil (soybean, groundnut, mustard, etc.) and protein (soybean). This study tried to analyse the trend in the area, production and productivity of soybean crop by fitting the exponential growth function. Further examination of instability in the crop was also done using Cuddy Della Valle index. The present study research period was taken from 1970-71 to 2017-18 which is further divided as follows: Pre Technology Mission on Oilseeds (Pre TMO) Period from 1970-71 to 1985-86, Technology Mission on Oilseeds Phase one Period from 1986-87 to 2001-02, Technology Mission on Oilseeds Phase two Period from 2002-03 to 2017-18, Overall Period of Technology Mission on Oilseeds from 1986-87 to 2017-18, Overall Period from 1970-71 to 1985-86. The Pre TMO period and Post TMO period criteria has been considered to estimate whether TMO had any impact on area, production , productivity, import and export of oilseeds. The study showed that during Pre TMO period, positive growth rate in the area of soybean was found positive in all the states except in Gujarat where area declined at the rate of 5.26 per cent per annum. Maximum rate of growth in the area was found in Rajasthan at the rate of 21.00 per cent per annum. During this period, production increased in all the states and country as a whole wherein, maximum rate of production registered in Rajasthan at the rate of 20.52 per cent per annum, production had shown negative growth in Gujarat at the rate of 0.08 per cent per annum. Productivity had shown increasing trend in all the states except in Rajasthan where negative growth is found at the rate of 0.40 per cent per annum. Maximum increase in the productivity was registered in Maharashtra at the rate of 7.78 per cent per annum. While the instability analysis revealed that fluctuations in the area of soybean was observed only in the state of Gujarat, whereas, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan production of soybean was comparatively less stable as compared to the other major states.

Influence of tillage and residue-management practices and organic nutrition on performance of soybean (Glycine max) under conservation agriculture in semiarid ecology of India

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2020 and 2021 at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to evaluate the impact of different tillage and residue-management practices (TRMPs) and organic nutrition on performance of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 3 replications. The treatment comprised 4 TRMPs in main plots and 5 organic nutrient management practices in subplot. The result showed that, application of zero tillage with residue (ZT + R) resulted in significantly higher number of branches/plant (9.65), pods/plant (69.2), seeds/pod (2.68), grain yield (1.63 t/ha) and gross return (` 87,480/ha) being statistically at par with conventional tillage with residue (CT + R) and superior to the other treatments. Significantly enhanced yield attributes i.e. branches/plant (9.12), pods/plant (69.8), seeds/pod (2.71) and grain yield (1.6 t/ha) were observed under application of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) through inorganic fertilizers followed by recommended dose of nitrogen through vermicompost (VC) + biofertilizer + cow urine (10%) + Panchgavya (5%) + Jeevamrut (500 litres/ha), recommended dose of nitrogen through farmyard manure (FYM) + biofertilizer + cow urine (10% foliar application at vegetative, panicle emergence and flowering stage) + Panchgavya (5% foliar application at vegetative, panicle emergence and flowering stage) + Jeevamrut (500 litres/ha foliar application at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS). However, the maximum gross returns realized under N5 (` 87,280/ha) followed by N4. Hence, combined application of ZT + R along with N5 organic package and followed by ZT + R along with N4 organic package are better options for improving the yield attributes and productivity of soybean crop under conservation agriculture (CA) in semiarid ecology of India and similar agro-eco regions.