Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

EFFECT OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF ZINC, IRON AND MAGNESIUM ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY ECONOMICS OF SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX (L.) MERILL)

G.K. Bahure, I.A.B. Mirza, R.T. Bankar A.N. Puri and S.H. Mirche

Abstract

The field investigation entitled “Effect of foliar application of zinc, iron and magnesium on growth, yield and quality of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merill)” was conducted at farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Latur. The experimental field was leveled and well drained. The soil was clayey in texture, low in nitrogen, medium in phosphorus and alkaline in reaction. The environmental conditions prevailed during experimental period was favorable for normal growth and maturity of soybean crop. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with twelve treatments and 3 replications. Sowing was done on 5th July, 2013 by dibbling the seeds at spacing 45 cm x 5 cm. The recommended cultural practices and plant protection measures were taken. The recommended dose of fertilizer (30:60:30 kg NPK ha-1) was applied at the time of sowing through Urea, SSP and MOP. The crop was harvested on 14th October, 2013. Application of RDF + ZnSO4 10 kg ha-1 + FeSO4 10 kg ha-1 + MgSO4 10 kg ha-1 + 1.5% foliar application of ZnSO4, FeSO4 and MgSO4 at 30 and 50 DAS recorded significantly higher growth, yield and economics character followed by application of RDF + ZnSO410 kg ha-1 + 1 % ZnSO4 through foliar application at 30 and 50 DAS (T9), RDF + FeSO4 10 kg ha-1 + 1% FeSO4 through foliar application at 30 and 50 DAS (T10) and RDF + MgSO4 10 kg ha- 1 + 1% MgSO4 through foliar application at 30 and 50 DAS (T11).