Growth response of soybean (Glycine max L.) to integrated use of vermicompost and phosphorus fertilizer
Keywords:
Leaf area, Leaf area index, Number of branches, Plant heightAbstract
In the present study, the impact of four levels of vermicompost (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 t ha-1) and four dosages of phosphorus (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg ha-1 ) fertilizer was evaluated on soybean growth parameters over two years. Results showed significant differences in growth parameters of the crop, including the number of leaves per plant, leaf area, leaf area index, plant height and the number of branches per plant over the years and across sites. On average, over the two years, the application of 20 kg ha-1 phosphorus and 7.5 t ha-1 vermicompost increased the number of leaves per plant, leaf area and plant height by 58.6 %, 32.3 % and 67.3 %, respectively compared to the control, with statistical similarity to 10 kg ha-1 phosphorus combined with 7.5 t ha-1 vermicompost. The study indicates that combining 10 kg ha-1 of phosphorus with 7.5 t ha-1 of vermicompost can enhance soybean growth without affecting the measured parameters when compared to higher phosphorus application rates. This integrated approach reduces the necessity for the standard 20 kg ha-1 phosphorus fertilizer and is therefore suggested for maximizing crop growth outcomes.
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