Growth, nodulation and productivity of rainfed soybean (Glycine max) as influenced by mulching and anti-transpirants

Abstract

The research farm of the Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, Punjab, was the site of a field experiment that
examined the effects of straw mulching and anti- transpirants on the growth, nodulation, and productivity of soybeans
(Glycine max (L.) Merr) during the kharif seasons of 2012, 2013, and 2014. A factorial randomized full block design
with three replications was used to lay up the experiment. Over the course of the three years, participants in the study
were randomly assigned to one of two mulching levels (wheat straw mulch @ 5 t/ha after sowing or control, no mulch)
and one of five anti-transpirants (5% magnesium carbonate, 5% glycerol, 5% sodium carbonate in 2012, 2% sodium
carbonate in 2013 and 2014, 1% potassium nitrate, and control). The maximum dry matter/plant, nodulation, plant
height, pods/plant, straw yield, and seed production of soybean were reported after applying straw mulch at a rate of 5
t/ha after planting. Compared to not using mulch, seed output was 17.6% higher and rainfall usage efficiency was
22.6% better when straw mulch was used. The net returns (3,037) and gross returns (8,037) from straw mulching were
much greater than those from the control group (no mulch). There was no discernible change in soy bean nodulation
or seed output after using anti-transpirants. Compared to other anti- transpirants, potassium nitrate had better gross
returns, net returns, and benefit-to-cost ratios when applied. By contrast, the control group did not save money by using
anti-perspirants. The results show that compared to not mulching at all, applying straw mulch at a rate of 5 t/ha
after planting increases soybean seed production.