Soybean Yield Components Research Articles

Minimizing Risks of Off-target Movement of Florpyrauxifen-benzyl by Coating onto Urea

ABSTRACT Commercialization of florpyrauxifen-benzyl as Loyant® in 2018 as a synthetic auxin herbicide in rice was followed by soybean injury due to off-target movement of spray applications in the mid-southern United States. Concerns surrounding off-target movement led to the exploration of an alternative application method to help alleviate the issue. Field experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 to explore the likelihood of a reduction in soybean injury following applications of florpyrauxifen-benzyl coated on urea in narrow- and wide-row soybean systems and to determine the likelihood of volatilization from this novel application method. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl spray-applied at 0.18 g ai ha-1 caused greater than 60% injury, while coating the herbicide on urea at 5.63 g ai ha-1 never exceeded 30% injury in narrow-row soybean. Similarly, florpyrauxifen-benzyl spray-applied at 0.18 g ai ha-1 caused greater than 50% injury while coating the herbicide on urea at 5.63 g ai ha-1 never exceeded 30% injury in wide-row soybean. As soybean injury increased, relative yield decreased in both narrow- and wide-row soybean. Spray-applied florpyrauxifen-benzyl decreased relative soybean groundcover, yield components, and soybean survival rate as the herbicide rate increased, whereas coating the herbicide on urea resulted in little to no decrease in both narrow- and wide-row soybean assessments. No negative impacts on relative yield and yield components of soybean from florpyrauxifen-benzyl coated on urea indicates that even though visible injury may persist, there is a low likelihood of any yield losses associated with the herbicide exposure using this application method. Additionally, coating the florpyrauxifen-benzyl on urea did not increase the likelihood of volatilization under any of the evaluated soil moisture conditions. Overall, applying florpyrauxifen-benzyl coated on urea is likely to be a safer application method and can reduce soybean injury compared to spray applying the herbicide when favorable off-target movement conditions exist.

Effect of nozzles on disease control with spraying fungicides in soybean crops

ABSTRACT The productivity of the soybean crop (Glycine max) can be limited by several factors, including diseases. In the integrated management of diseases, one of the strategies used is chemical control. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of spray nozzle types on the chemical control of fungal diseases in soybean plants. The experimental design was randomised blocks, with six treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of control (without fungicide application on soybean plants) and application of fungicides with different spray nozzles: hollow cone jet, double flat jet, extended range flat jet, wide angle flat jet and air induction flat jet. The sprayer used was the backpack pressurised by carbon dioxide CO2. The experiment was installed in the Campos Gerais region (Paraná, Brazil); during three cropping seasons. The evaluated variables were incidence and severity, spray quality (covered area, droplet density, and relative amplitude) and yield components. It was concluded that the chemical control of fungal diseases in soybean plants reduced the proliferation of pathogens and losses in crop yield. There were significant changes in spraying quality in all analysed variables. There were no differences among the spray nozzle types regarding the analysis of incidence, severity and soybean yield components.

Long-Term Effect of Crop Succession Systems on Soil Chemical and Physical Attributes and Soybean Yield.

Most soybean producers in the Cerrado biome use the direct seeding system, making it essential to cultivate cash or cover crops in the off-season, to promote soil protection, as well as increase organic matter, which is directly related to improvements in the chemical and physical characteristics of these soils. In this sense, this work was conducted in Jataí, state of Goias, Brazil, to evaluate the physical-chemical attributes of the soil and the performance of soybeans cultivated in different crop succession systems cultivated for 6 years in the region of Jataí, GO. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four plots and four replications; the crops that followed soybeans were arranged as follows: T1-corn (Zea mays); T2-pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum); T3-Urochloa ruziziensis; and T4-corn + Urochloa ruziziensis. Soybean yield components and grain yield were evaluated in two harvests (2020/2021 and 2021/2022). Deformed and undisturbed soil samples were collected in 2022 to assess soil fertility and for physical analysis. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (F test) and the means were compared using the Tukey test at 5% probability. The soybean-millet succession system stood out for the chemical and physical attributes of the soil: calcium, magnesium, base saturation, hydrogen + aluminum, and total porosity. The crop succession system did not affect yield for the two years analyzed, but the accumulated grain yields were higher in the crop succession soybean/corn intercropped. The results highlight the importance of using cover crops in improving the physical and chemical qualities of the soil in the long term. However, in the Cerrado, there is a predominance of the soybean/corn succession system motivated by financial issues to the detriment of the qualitative aspects of the soil, in which the introduction of Urochloa ruziziensis in intercropping with corn would improve the chemical attributes of the soil and have a long-term impact on the accumulated grain production.

Application of Mycorrhiza-Biofertilizer to Increase Yield of Several Varieties of Soybean Intercropped Between Maize Double Rows of Different Row Spacings

This research aimed to examine the effects of application of mycorrhiza biofertilizer on yield performance of several varieties of soybean relay-planted between double rows of maize plants grown under different planting distances between rows. The experiment was arranged according to Split Split Plot Design, with three treatment factors, i.e. mycorrhiza biofertilizer (M0= without; M1= with mycorrhiza biofertilizer) as the main plots, soybean varieties (V1= Detap, V2: Biosoy-2, V3= Dena-1) as the subplots, and planting distances between double rows of maize in which two rows of soybean were grown (D1= 80; D2= 90; D3= 100 cm) as the sub-subplots. The results indicated that among those treatment factors, different varieties resulted in significant differences on all measurement variables, while increasing planting distances between maize double rows also significantly increased yield components of soybean, including branch number, pod number, and grain yield per clump, as well as weight of 100 grains, whereas application of mycorrhiza biofertilizer to the soybean plants only significantly increased branch number, pod number, and grain yield per clump. However, mycorrhiza biofertilizer showed interaction effect on most variables, especially in interaction with varieties and double row distances. Based on the patterns of mycorrhiza-varieties interaction, application of mycorrhiza biofertilizer significantly increased pod number (28%) on V1 showing the highest pod number on M1V1 treatment (87.87 pod/clump), while grain yield was highest on M1V3 (26.54 g/clump) and lowest (17.19 g/clump) on M0V1 treatment. The intercropping/monocropping yield ratio was also increased by application of mycorrhiza biofertilizer (from 69.33 to 88.18%) on V2.

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) response to application of mineral nitrogen and bradyrhizobia on Nitisols of Teppi, Southwest Ethiopia

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), an important crop grown for its protein source for humans and livestock, is widely introduced in different parts of Ethiopia. However, the productivity of the crop is far below its potential in the country due to different factors, among which low soil fertility is a major contributor. Hence, this field experiment was conducted with the objective of determining the optimum rate of starter nitrogen (N) and bradyrhizobium inoculation on yield and yield components of soybean in the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. Two levels of bradyrhizobia (inoculated and uninoculated) and six levels of starter nitrogen (0, 9, 18, 27, 36, and 54 kg N ha−1) were arranged in a factorial design. The result showed that soybean grain yield increased by about 60 % with inoculation of bradyrhizobia applied with low rates of starter nitrogen fertilizer, regardless of cropping seasons. Application of a nitrogen rate above 18 kg N ha−1 leads to yield decline and has no significant variation from bradyrhizobia inoculation only. Regardless of the cropping seasons, elevated levels of starter nitrogen beyond 27 kg ha−1 suppressed nodulation and nodule dry matter. Starter N at a rate of 9 and 18 kg N ha−1 improved soybean nodulation by 125–130 % over control and 95 % over bradyrhizobia inoculation alone. Thus, it was recommended to apply bradyrhizobia strains with 9 or 18 kg N ha−1 starter nitrogen for better yield of soybean as well as adequate nitrogen fixation in Nitisols having moderate soil nitrogen levels similar to the Teppi areas.

Combination Effects of Sulfur Fertilizer and Rhizobium Inoculant on Photosynthesis Dynamics and Yield Components of Soybean

Sulfur (S) fertilization and rhizobium inoculation are important agronomic practices for improving soybean growth and yield. However, their combined effects on yield components and the resultant impacts on yield need further investigation. Our study aimed to verify the combined effects of S fertilizer and rhizobium inoculant on the yield components and seed yield of soybeans, as well as photosynthesis dynamics during the V5–R6 growth stages. A randomized block design incorporating two factors was employed for field experiments on soybean, involving the application of five rates of sulfur (0, 5.0, 9.8, 14.8, and 19.6 kg S ha−1) with rhizobium inoculation or without. A reduction of 50% in mineral fertilizer according to farmer practice (FP) was applied alongside different rates of sulfur for field experiments on soybeans. The findings indicated that the application of sulfur fertilization significantly enhanced soybean yield by increasing the number of grains per plant (NG) and the number of pods per plant (NP). Maximum grain yield was reached under treatment with an S rate of 19.6 kg S ha−1, which increased NG by 39% more than an S rate of 0 kg S ha−1. Correlation analysis indicated that higher photosynthesis was closely associated with increased yield components. This study demonstrated that applying S fertilizers could improve soybean production by combining the appropriate sulfur concentration and rhizobia inoculation.

Quantifying High-Temperature and Drought Stress Effects on Soybean Growth and Yield in the Western Guanzhong Plain

High-temperature and drought events significantly impact crop growth and development. In the soybean-producing region of the Guanzhong Plain in China, understanding the dynamics of these climatic phenomena is vital for soybean yield preservation. Through a fixed-position observation experiment that analyzed four growth stages, nine agronomic traits, and soybean yield per unit area from 1998 to 2023, this research evaluated the characteristics of high-temperature and drought processes in various growth stages. It also examined the influence of high-temperature processes, drought processes, and their combined effects on agronomic traits and yield. The results indicate the following: (1) High temperature was a constant factor during the soybean growth period, with temperature-related indices markedly surpassing those related to drought. Notably, the occurrence of high-temperature and drought events was more prevalent during the flowering–podding stage than at the podding or grain-filling stages. (2) High temperature profoundly affected soybean yield components, primarily through a decrease in the number of grains per plant during the flowering–podding stage, subsequently impacting the grain weight per plant and yield. In years with extremely high temperatures, the soybean plant height was reduced by 6.1 to 15 cm, the main stem node number decreased by 0.1 to 2.9, the branch number decreased by 0.2 to 0.6, the number of pods per plant decreased by 4.8 to 13.7, the number of grains per pod decreased by 0.1 to 0.3, the number of grains per plant decreased by 13.5 to 32.6, the grain weight per plant decreased by 3.8 to 6.9 g, and the 100-grain weight decreased by 0.1 to 4.5 g. The common impact of high temperature combined with drought processes in different growth stages was reflected in the reduction in the number of branches by 0.1 to 1.4 and the reduction in the number of grains per pod by 0.02 to 13.7. This study underscores the importance of addressing the quantitative effects of climate change and extreme weather on soybean yield, which could help to develop effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Soybean yield and profitability are affected by the spatial distribution of seeds in rows and seeding rate

AbstractSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield and profitability can be affected by plant‐to‐plant spatial uniformity and sowing rate. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic and economic performance of soybean in relation to the spatial distribution of seeds in rows and seeding rates. A field experiment was conducted during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 growing seasons in Londrina, Paraná state, Brazil. We evaluated three coefficients of variation of seed distribution in rows (coefficient of variation of seeds distribution (VDS): 0%, 50%, and 100%) and four seeding rates (350,000, 262,500, 175,000, and 87,500 seeds ha−1), which corresponded to 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of the recommended seeding rate of the cultivar BRS 1003 IPRO, respectively. Sowing was performed manually to ensure that seed distribution accurately adhered to the experimental setup. Soybean yield components, yield, and profitability were then evaluated. The lower VDS improved the yield by 374 kg ha−1 compared to the higher VDS and increased the profitability by $334.7 ha−1 in 2019–2020. A seeding rate of 262,500 seeds ha−1 yielded the highest grain yield. The highest soybean profitability was achieved at a seeding rate 6.5% lower than that which produced the highest yield. Branching is essential in compensating for lower seeding rates and plants with uneven spatial distributions. The present study shows that equidistant distribution of seeds in rows optimizes grain yield.

The effects of the different sowing methods and planting density on the yield components of soybean (Glycine max) under intercropping condition with rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth.)

In Japan, grass-legume intercropping systems are being developed to increase quality and yield of grain and forage. Hence, this study evaluated the effects of sowing methods and planting density on yield traits of forage soybean under intercropping condition with rhodes grass. The field experiment was laid on in a completely randomized block design with four treatments and four replications. Rhodes grass seeds were sown at 2.8 kg/10a in a field containing mono- and intercropping-plots. For soybeans, two levels of sowing densities (about 15 or 30 seeds/m2: named “L” and “H”) and two sowing methods (row or spray: named “R” and “S”) were applied for a total of four different intercropping combinations. Rhodes grass DMY obtained the highest in low level of sowing density with rowing methods (LR) (338 kg/10a) while soybean DMY obtained the highest in high level of sowing density with rowing methods (HR) (251 kg/10a) and in high level of sowing density with spray methods (HS) (177 kg/10a). Intercropping at low density increased CP (12%) and CPY (40.4 kg DM/10a) in Rhodes grass, and CP (18.9%) in soybeans, whereas high sowing density increased soybean CPY in HR (41.5 kg DM/10a) and contributed to higher soybean CPY in DM percentage at 66% (HS) and 56% (HR). Overall, high density sowing increased the 1st total DMY while row sowing increased the 1st total CPY in both crops at the first cutting, while monocropping increased Rhodes grass yield and plant length at the second-cutting. Also, sowing soybean by a broadcast spreader could obtain sufficient crude protein yield as a forage soybean in southern Kyushu, Japan. Further studies are needed for soybean overseeding method and use of early-maturity soybean lines

Soybean (Glycine max L.) Yield and Yield Component Under Different Planting Time and Foliar Application of Humic Acid

A triplicate field experiment laid out in randomized complete block design was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar application of humic acid rates (HAR) at Bakrajo, Sulaimani which is (located at 35°32'52.8"N and 45°21'16.6"E) belongs to Kurdistan region of Iraq with the silty clay soil type. Five different Humic Acid rates (HAR) which were (0 (control), 2,4,6,8 g/L) and two cultivation period (CP) which were cultivation Period 1 (CP1) on 15 May 2022 and cultivation Period 2 (CP2) on 1st of June 2022. The effect of foliar Humic acid rates application methods was highly significant on the Pod No./ Plant, Empty Pod/Plant, Seed Weight / Plant (g) and yield (kg/ha) and significant on the 1000 Seed Weight (g). While, the effect of cultivation period (CP) was highly significant only for the Pod No./ Plant and the insignificantly affected the other parameters including Empty Pod/Plant, Seed No./ Pod, 1000 Seed Weight (g), Weight / Plant (g) and yield (kg/ha). The maximum Pod No./ Plant, Empty Pod/Plant, Seed Weight / Plant (g) and yield (kg/ha) and significant on the 1000 Seed Weight (g) were observed under foliar application of HAR of 6 g/L and the best cultivation period for sowing humic acid was (CP1) which was on 15 May.

Mixture of winter cover crops improves soil physical properties under no-tillage system in a subtropical environment

The monocrop of winter cover crops is a common practice under no-tillage system (NTS) in subtropical environment but increase diversity of cover crop species can be an alternative to improve soil physical quality, with positive effects on crop production. This study evaluated whether using a greater diversity of cover crop species affects soil physical properties, as well as grain yield of soybean (Glycine max L.) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under NTS in three growing seasons. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with four replications. The treatments were monocrop of black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.); intercropping of black oat and turnip (Brassica napus L.); and a mixture of black oat, turnip, white oat (Avena sativa L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), white lupine (Lupinus albus L.), and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.). Cover crop biomass yield, soil physical properties, and grain yield of summer crops were evaluated. Using a mixture of cover crops improved soil physical properties by decreasing soil bulk density up to 5 %, increasing soil air-filled porosity at –100 hPa (0.0–0.2 m) up to 27 % and saturated hydraulic conductivity (0.0–0.2 m) up to 300 %. Common bean grain yield and 1000-grain weight in succession to the mixture of cover crops increased by 15 % and 4 %, respectively. Soybean yield components were not affected by treatments. The increased diversity of winter cover crops improved soil physical properties in relation to monocrop in NTS, as well as improved crop yield of common bean, which is a shallower root growth specie, more sensitive to soil constraints.

SOYBEAN RESPONSE TO FOLIAR AND SOIL FERTILIZATION

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of foliar fertilization as compared to mineral fertilization on yield and yield components of soybean. The experiments were carried out during 2020 and 2021 growing seasons at Research and Development Station for Agriculture Turda (RDSA Turda), Romania, using randomised complete block design with three replications. The two variants of foliar fertilization contain macro and micro elements, being applied in different phases of soybean growth and development. Among the foliar fertilization options, T1stood out as the foliar fertilization option that contributed to some extent to the growth of plant height, the number of pods/plant, the number of grains/plant, the weight of grains/plant and yield. The second variant of foliar fertilization (T2) in most of the analysed cases determined a decrease in the yield elements as well as the yield compared to the control variant.

Yield variability of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] as affected by foliar applied kaolin under irrigation in Sudan savanna of Nigeria

A field trial was conducted during the hot, dry season in 2020 to assess the effect of foliar-applied antitranspirant (Kaolin) on yield and yield components of irrigated soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]. Treatments consisted of two varieties of soybean (TGX1835-10E and TGX1955-4F), three growth stages for the application of kaolin (node initiation, flower initiation, and pod initiation), and application rates (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% w/v). The factors were factorially combined and laid out in a split-split-plot design and replicated three times. The result obtained after comparison between two varieties of soybean, three growth stages of foliar applied kaolin, and four kaolin rates indicated that variety, application at growth stage, and kaolin rates indicated higher significance, significance, and non-significance effects on measured; number of pods plant-1, seed pod-1, hundred seed weight (g), grain and fodder yield (kg ha-1) taken at harvest. The average yield of 2.3 t ha-1 was recorded in TGX1835-10E and 2.5 t ha-1 in TGX1955-4F. Kaolin applied at flower and pod initiation recorded a higher grain yield at BUK, and at Kadawa application at pod initiation recorded a higher grain yield. Kaolin rates applied at 3 and 6% averagely indicated grain yield of 2.8 t ha-1 and 2.7 t ha-1, respectively. Applying 3% kaolin rate is recommended for soybean production in area with low heat load (low temperature) on leaf surfaces within the growing cycle of the crop and 6% rate in area with higher heat load (higher temperature) on leaf surfaces.

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.

Influence of Manures on Some Soil Fertility Properties, Yield and Agronomic Efficiencies of Soybean (Glycine max) on Degraded Acid Soil

Aluminum toxicity is a major limitation to leguminous crop production in acidic soils but mineral and organic fertilizer applications could ameliorate the condition. Thus, the focus of this study was to evaluate the influence of manures on post-harvest soil fertility quality, yield and agronomic efficiencies of soybean (Glycine max). The study had six fertilizer treatments: poultry manures, rabbit manures, pig manures, sheep manures, cattle manures, single super phosphate and the control (no soil additive) laid in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with four replicates. The experiment was conducted at the greenhouse of the Wesley University, Ondo, Nigeria. The treatments were applied at the rate of 40 kg P205ha-1 and the effects of treatments on yield parameters (biomass, grain yield and total dry weight), relative agronomic efficiencies, as well as soil fertility status were observed. Data analysis using ANOVA at 5% level of probability showed the application of poultry manure to have enhanced soybean grain yield and yield component. Poultry manure treatment had the highest mean total dry weight of 11.5 g while SSP resulted in the lowest yield (4.7g). The efficiency of available P released from the applied poultry manure was 2 times higher than the referenced single super phosphate fertilizer in Ondo. Poultry manure application again had higher RAEDSW than to chemical fertilizer. Thus, applications of poultry or pig manures at 40 kg P205ha-1 could be excellent materials as alternatives to mineral fertilizer (single super phosphate) for improving soil fertility, yield of soybean and its agronomic efficiencies.

Physiological response of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) to foliar applied kaolin under irrigation in Sudan savanna of Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted during the hot, dry season of 2019 in the Sudan savanna of Nigeria to evaluate the effect of foliar-applied antitranspirant (kaolin) on growth, yield, and yield components of irrigated soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]. Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture Bayero University, Kano and Irrigation Research Station, Kadawa, Kano, under the Institute for Agricultural Research Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna, represented the two locations. Treatments consisted of two varieties of soybean (TGX1835-10E and TGX1955-4F), three growth stages of foliar applied kaolin, and four application rates (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% w/v %). The factors were laid out in a split-split-plot design and replicated three times. Varieties were allocated to main plots, growth stages of foliar-applied kaolin in subplots, and kaolin rates in sub-subplots. Cultural practices, soil physical and chemical analysis, and irrigation were conducted. Data collected from physiological parameters included intercepted photosynthetically active radiation, leaf chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and plant dry matter (g), were subjected to analysis of variance using Statistix-10 and significant means of treatments were separated using Tukey HSD at a 5% level of probability. The result revealed that variety and foliar applied kaolin at growth stages and its rates significantly affected the physiological parameters of irrigated soybeans. The highest physiological responses were recorded from TGX1955-4F and lower from the variety TGX1835-10E. Foliar applied kaolin at pod initiation, and kaolin rates of 3 and 6% indicated the highest effect on measured physiological parameters and grain yield.

Foliar Application of Liquid-Silicate Rock Fertilizer Counteracts the Suppressing Effects of Saline Soils on Soybeans: A Glasshouse Assessment

Developing an alternative method for productive farming on saline soils is necessary because remediating the soils is not feasible on-farm. A foliar application of liquid-silicate rock fertilizer (LSRF) was proposed in response to this need, and its effectiveness was evaluated in a greenhouse. The specific aim of the research was to identify the effects of LSRF on the growth and yield components of soybeans grown on salinized soils. The experiment employed a split plot in a completely randomized design, with the main plot consisting of soil salinity levels (EC), i.e., 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 dS. m-1 and the sub-plot was the concentration of applied LSRF, i.e., 0, 1, 2, and 3 %, in triplicates. Results reveal an increase in soil EC to 2.5 dS. m-1 slowed down the growth rate and reduced the yield of soybeans by about 20 %. In contrast, applying LSRF at concentrations ranging from 1 to 3% improved soybean growth and yield components while reducing the severity of soil salinity’s effects on the plant. Foliar application of LSRF could be an effective method of reducing the stresses caused by saline environments in soybeans. How to Cite: Joko Priyono, Akhmad Zubaidi, 2023. "Foliar Application of Liquid-Silicate Rock Fertilizer Counteracts the Suppressing Effects of Saline Soils on Soybeans: A Glasshouse Assessment." Journal of Agriculture and Crops, vol. 9, pp. 250-256.

Application of Buffalo Manure and Biochar Improved growth and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)

Buffalo manure and rice-husk biochar (hereafter refer to biochar) are known as organic materials that their application to soil can enhance growth and production of crops. The appropriate dose of these organic materials to increase growth and yield of soybean is yet studied particularly on the southeast coast of Timor-Leste. This study aimed to identify appropriate doses of buffalo manure and biochar for producing soybean. The experiment was delivered using a Split Plot Design factorial 3 × 3. The first factor was buffalo manure (K) consisted of three level treatments; K0 = 0 t/ha (control), K1 = 5 t/ha, K2 = 10 t/ ha, and the second factor were biochar (B) consisted of three level treatments; B0 = 0 t/ha (control), B1= 3 t/ha, and B2 = 6 t/ ha. Parameters investigated were soil pH, crop phenology, plant height, leaf and branch numbers, filled pods, seeds per pod, biomass production, yield and harvest index. Analysis of variance showed that biochar significantly increased pH level of the soil by 4.01% and 6.80% for 3 t/ha and 6 t/ha biochar, respectively, compared to the control (5.33). Application of buffalo manure and biochar did not affect crop phenology. There was buffalo manure x biochar interaction for plant height and the rests showed an independent positive impact on growth and yield of soybean. The application of buffalo manure at 5 t/ha, in general, did not affect growth and yield. Buffalo manure at the rate of 10 t/ha significantly increased filled pods per plant, 100 seed weight, seed yield and plant biomass production by 32.55%, 5.93%, 36.24% and 35.17%, respectively, compared to the controls. Application of biochar with 3 t/ha increased filled pods per plant, 100 seed weight, seed yield, plant biomass and HI by 10.64%, 1.70%, 10.47%, 7.51% and 2.94%, respectively, compared to the controls. These results showed positive impact of buffalo manure and biochar on growth, yield and yield components of soybean.

Phosphorus Application Enhances Root Traits, Root Exudation, Phosphorus Use Efficiency, and Seed Yield of Soybean Genotypes.

Phosphorus (P) is a vital macronutrient required for soybean growth and development but is a finite resource in agriculture worldwide. Low inorganic P availability in soil is often a significant constraint for soybean production. However, little is known about the response of P supply on agronomic, root morphology, and physiological mechanisms of contrasting soybean genotypes at various growth stages and the possible effects of different P on soybean yield and yield components. Therefore, we conducted two concurrent experiments using the soil-filled pots with six genotypes (deep-root system: PI 647960, PI 398595, PI 561271, PI 654356; and shallow-root system: PI 595362, PI 597387) and two P levels [0 (P0) and 60 (P60) mg P kg-1 dry soil] and deep PVC columns with two genotypes (PI 561271 and PI 595362) and three P levels [0 (P0), 60 (P60), and 120 (P120) mg P kg-1 dry soil] in a temperature-controlled glasshouse. The genotype × P level interaction showed that increased higher P supply increased leaf area, shoot and root dry weights, total root length, shoot, root, and seed P concentrations and contents, P use efficiency (PUE), root exudation, and seed yield at different growth stages in both experiments. At the vegetative stage (Experiment 1), shallow-rooted genotypes with shorter life cycles had more root dry weight (39%) and total root length (38%) than deep-rooted genotypes with longer life cycles under different P levels. Genotype PI 654356 produced significantly higher (22% more) total carboxylates than PI 647960 and PI 597387 under P60 but not at P0. Total carboxylates positively correlated with root dry weight, total root length, shoot and root P contents, and physiological PUE. The deep-rooted genotypes (PI 398595, PI 647960, PI 654356, and PI 561271) had the highest PUE and root P contents. In Experiment 2, at the flowering stage, genotype PI 561271 had the greatest leaf area (202%), shoot dry weight (113%), root dry weight (143%), and root length (83%) relative to the short-duration, shallow-rooted genotype PI 595362 with external P applied (P60 and P120), with similar trends at maturity. PI 595362 had a greater proportion of carboxylates as malonate (248%), malate (58%), and total carboxylates (82%) than PI 561271 under P60 and P120 but no differences at P0. At maturity, the deep-rooted genotype PI 561271 had greater shoot, root, and seed P contents and PUE than the shallow-rooted genotype PI 595362 under increased P rates but no differences at P0. Further, the genotype PI 561271 had higher shoot (53%), root (165%), and seed yield (47%) than PI 595362 with P60 and P120 than P0. Therefore, inorganic P application enhances plant resistance to the soil P pool and maintains high soybean biomass production and seed yield.

Determination of soybean (Glycine max L.) production yield and yield components under metekel pawe at lowland western Ethiopia

Soybean is an important an oil seed and pulse in Ethiopia. However, the yield of this crop is limited mainly due to shortage of improved varieties suited to specific area. This field experiment was conducted during 2019/2020 cropping season to evaluate soybean varieties for yield production at conducted on farm field experiment in Metekel Zone Westeren Ethiopia in Pawe and Mandura field site the experiment contains five varieties namely Pawe-1, Pawe-2, Belesa, GTX-2644-133 and Nyala. The experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on days to maturity, plant height, branch number, pods per plant and grain yield and subjected to analysis of variance using SAS software program. The result of this study revealed that, there was significant difference (p>0.05 or p>0.01) among varieties in all traits. The highest (2248.0 kg ha-1) and (2147.9 kg ha-1) grain yield were recorded from Parwe-2 and Pawe-1 variety, respectively among tested treatments. Therefore, it can be concluded that variety Pawe-2 or Pawe-1 well performed and can be recommended for the growers in the study area and its vicinity.