Response of soybean (Glycine max L. Merill) to organic sources of nutrient

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2016 and 2017 at the Experimental research farm of School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Nagaland University, Medziphema, Nagaland to study the effect of different nutrient combinations on growth, yield and quality of soybean. An experiment was carried out in soybean variety JS 97-52, with the application of FYM, Forest litter, Pig manure, Poultry manure and Vermicompost at varying doses and combinations using a randomized block design. Application of Poultry manure at 3 tha-1+ forest litter at 0.25 tha-1 produced maximum number of leaves, highest plant height and highest number of seed, stover and biological yield, protein and oil content. Incorporation of Poultry manure at 3 t ha -1 along with Forest litter at 0.25 t ha -1 registered maximum nutrient content and uptake by seed and stover and available nutrient in the soil after crop harvest. The balance sheet of nitrogen showed that actual difference of initial and final was positive only under treatment Poultry manure at 3 t ha -1 + Forest litter at 0.25 t ha -1 and Poultry manure at 2 t ha -1 + Forest litter at 0.25 t ha -1 and remaining were negative. The balance sheet of phosphorus showed positive balance in all the treatments and recorded maximum with the application of Poultry manure at 3 t ha -1 + Forest Litter at 0.25 t ha -1 except control which was negative. The balance sheet of potassium was recorded highest in the treatment Vermicompost at 3 t ha -1 + Forest litter at 0.25 t ha -1. The negative balance was recorded in the control, Forest litter at 0.5 t ha -1, FYM at 1 and 2 t ha -1 + Forest litter at 0.25 t ha -1, Pig manure at 1 and 2 t ha -1 + Forest litter at 0.25 t ha -1 and Vermicompost at 1 t ha -1 + Forest litter at 0.25 t ha -1. The present study revealed that Poultry manure at 3 t ha -1 + Forest litter at 0.25 t ha -1 was the best nutrient management practice which improved plant growth, yield and yield attributes, nutrient uptake and available nutrient status of the soil after harvest of soybean.