Effect of soil application of sulphur and zinc and foliar application of KNO3, Borax, NAA and GA on growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)

Abstract

Initial and final plant population of soybean recorded non-significant effect due to various fertility levels administered during both the experimental years. The effect of soil and foliar application of nutrients and growth regulators recorded significant impact on height of plant in both the years of experiments. The maximum numbers of leaves were found at flowering stage of soybean in both the years. Application of each additional nutrient through soil and foliar application increased number of leaves per plant significantly. Thereafter leaf count reduced due to physiological shedding of older leaves to maturity of soybean leaf count becomes less. In both the years of experimentation, leaf area & leaf area index were increased progressively up to flowering stage of soybean there after there was decrease in leaf area index due to falling of leaves towards maturity of soybean. There was periodical increase in dry weight of soybean. It was found to be increased with the advancement of crop growth stages up to maturity of soybean. There was significant increase in number of pods per plant with all the treatments (Fertility levels) over control. Application of RD + Zn + foliar K, B and GR significantly recorded highest growth parameters, seed yield, straw yield and total biological yield and The influence of different treatments by the order; F6 > F5 > F7 > F4 > F3 > F2 > F1.