Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management for Soybean (Glycine max L.) under Temperate Conditions

A field experiment was conducted at KVK, Srinagar during two consecutive kharif seasons of 2008-09 and 2009-10 to study the “Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management for Soybean (Glycine max L.) Under Temperate Conditions”. The experiment was laid out under 18 treatment combinations viz., three levels of recommended inorganic fertilizers (50, 75 and 100% RD), three levels of organic manures (control, FYM 10 t ha-1 and Dalweed 10 t ha-1) and two levels of biofertilizers (control and dual inoculation with Rhizobium + PSB) in randomised complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that grain and straw yield increased significantly with increase in the recommended inorganic levels. Application of FYM @ 10 t ha-1 showed significantly superior results over other organic treatments. Dual inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB showed significantly superior results over no inoculation. Yield attributing characters viz. 100-seed weight and number of nodules showed significant increase with increasing levels of recommended inorganic fertilizers. Application of 75% recommended inorganic fertilizer level showed highest 100-seed weight over other levels. Organic fertilizers also showed significantly superior results. Among organics, FYM (10 t ha-1) was found superior than Dalweed (10 t ha-1) for yield attributes. Seed quality also improved with application of increased recommended inorganic fertilizers. Oil and lysine content was found superior with application of 75% recommended inorganic fertilizers over other levels. Among organics FYM (10 t ha-1) yielded significantly superior results for seed quality than Dalweed (10 t ha-1). Dual inoculation with Rhizobium + PSB showed significantly superior seed quality over control. The plant analysis showed significant increase in major nutrients (N, P and K) content in straw with applications of recommended inorganic fertilizers. Among organics, FYM (10 t ha-1) showed significantly superior results over Dalweed (10 t ha-1). Dual inoculation also showed significantly superior results for major nutrient contents over control. Secondary nutrients (Ca, Mg) increased significantly by application of recommended inorganic fertilisers. FYM (10 t ha-1) was found significantly superior over other treatments. Similarly, Dual inoculation of Rhizobium + PSB yielded significant results over control. Plant analysis after harvest of crop also showed that recommended inorganic fertilizers alongwith organic manures yielded significant results for micro-nutrients cations (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu). Among organics, FYM (10 t ha-1) was found superior. Dual inoculation also showed significantly superior results for micro-nutrients over control. Application of recommended inorganic fertilisers significantly increased the P-fractions (Fe-P Al-P and Ca-P) and available N, P and K content of the post harvest soil. Application of FYM/Dalweed (10 t ha-1) significantly increased various P-fractions (Fe-P, Al-P and Ca-P) and also available N, P and K of the post harvest soil. Although the dual inoculation with Rhizobium + PSB showed significant increase in available N and P but was non-significant for available K. Dual inoculation also showed significant increase in P-fractions (Fe-P, Al-P and Ca-P) over control. The secondary and micro-nutrients of post harvest soil were also increased with application of recommended inorganic fertilizers except for iron and copper which were found statistically non-significant. Application of FYM/Dalweed (10 t ha-1) was found significantly superior for both secondary nutrients (Ca, Mg and S) as well as micro-nutrient contents (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu). Dual inoculation with Rhizobium + PSB was found significantly superior over control for both secondary as well as micro-nutrients. Soil physical properties were enhanced by application of recommended inorganic fertilisers except for bulk density. Organic manures also enhanced the physical properties of the soil. Among organic, FYM (10 t ha-1) was found superior over Dalweed (10 t ha-1). Dual inoculation with Rhizobium + PSB also showed significantly superior results in improved soil physical properties over no-inoculation