Study the Influence of crop geometry on growth of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2024 at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, VNMKV, Parbhani to study the Influence of crop geometry on growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)”. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments replicated three times, comprising a total of 24 plots. The gross plot size was 9.0 m × 6.0 m, and the net plot size varied according to treatment. The treatments consisted of eight plant spacings: T₁ - 30 cm × 7.5 cm (4,44,444 plants ha⁻¹), T₂ - 45 cm × 5 cm (4,44,444 plants ha⁻¹), T₃ - 45 cm × 10 cm (2,22,222 plants ha⁻¹), T₄ - 45 cm × 20 cm (1,11,111 plants ha⁻¹), T₅ - 45 cm × 30 cm (74,074 plants ha⁻¹), T₆ - 60 cm × 10 cm (1,66,666 plants ha⁻¹), T₇ - 60 cm × 20 cm (83,333 plants ha⁻¹), and T₈ - 60 cm × 30 cm (55,555 plants ha⁻¹).The gross plot size was 9.00 m × 6.00 m, while net plot dimensions varied according to the treatment layout. The experimental site featured a levelled and well-drained clay soil, characterized by moderate available nitrogen, medium phosphorus, and high potassium content. The soybean variety MAUS-725 was selected for the study, and sowing was carried out manually using the dibbling method on 4th July 2024. The treatment T3 (45 cm × 10 cm) emerged as the most efficient geometry for maximizing growth and yield without compromising plant growth or seed quality. It provided an optimal balance between plant population and resource availability, leading to superior performance in most growth and yield parameters. Therefore, under the agro-climatic conditions of Parbhani, district of M.S, adopting a spacing of 45 cm × 10 cm is recommended for enhancing productivity and profitability in soybean cultivation. Further studies integrating spacing with nutrient and water management may offer additional insights for sustainable intensification.