The Effect of Growth and Yield of Edamame Soybeans Glycine max (L.) Merr at Different Planting Distances in Bengkulu City, Indonesia

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to determine the optimal planting distance for the growth and yield of edamame soybeans. Study Design: The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) with one factor consisting of five planting distances of 20 cm x 15 cm, 20 cm x 25 cm, 30 cm x 15 cm, 30 cm x 25 cm, and 20 cm x 30 cm. Place and time of Study: The research was conducted at the experimental field of the Bengkulu University Bengkulu City, province of Bengkulu, Indonesia, started from June to August 2025.   Methodology: Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by an F-test at a 5% significance level. Parameters showing significant differences were further tested using the least significant difference (LSD) test at the 5% level. Results: Planting distance significantly affected several yield parameters (p < 0.05). The 30 cm x 25 cm spacing produced the highest pod weight per plant (86.78 g) and filled pod weight per plant (86.28 g). The 20 cm x 30 cm spacing resulted in the highest number of pods per plant (34.24 pods) and dry weight of shoot (24.23 g), while the 20 cm x 15 cm spacing produced the lowest dry weight of weeds (34.14 g). Conclusion: Planting distance significantly affects the growth and yield of edamame soybean. A planting distance of 30 cm x 25 cm provides the best yield performance, while a planting distance of 20 cm x 15 cm is effective in suppressing weed growth. Therefore, a planting distance of 30 cm x 25 cm can be recommended as a strategy to increase edamame productivity at Bengkulu City, Indonesian.