Influence of Spacing and Sowing Practices on Soybean Growth Attributes in the Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted at the Research Farm, Mandsaur University, Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh), India, during the Kharif season (June–December 2024). The experiment aimed to evaluate the impact of different sowing methods and spacing treatments on the growth and yield of soybean. The study was carried out using a Split Plot Design with three replications and eight treatment combinations, resulting in 24 experimental plots. The gross plot size was 14.40 m², and the net plot size was 11.70 m². Soybean was sown with a seed rate of 80 kg/ha-1 and recommended fertilizer doses of 20:40:20 NPK per hectare. The plant population at 30 DAS and at harvest was significantly influenced by sowing methods (flat bed and raised bed) and spacing treatments (broadcasting, 30×30 cm, 45×30 cm, 60×30 cm). Raised bed sowing (B2) consistently resulted in higher plant populations compared to flat bed sowing (B1), with the raised bed + broadcasting (B2S1) treatment showing the highest plant population at both stages. Soybean plants on raised beds (B2) had higher fresh (114.78 g) and dry (16.79 g) weights compared to flat beds (B1). The highest fresh and dry weight was observed in the raised bed + broadcasting treatment (B2S1), while the lowest was in raised bed + 60×30 cm spacing (B2S4). The number of pods at 90 DAS was higher in raised bed sowing (B2), with the raised bed + 60×30 cm spacing (B2S4) yielding the highest pod count (21.13 pods). The 30×30 cm spacing (S2) also resulted in more pods compared to broadcasting. Raised bed sowing (B2) resulted in earlier flowering (39.91 days) compared to flat bed sowing (40.00 days). The 30×30 cm spacing (S2) led to the earliest flowering, while broadcasting (S1) resulted in the early flowering.