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Agriculture

Effects of Fertilizer Rate and Row Spacing on Forage Soybean Biomass Yield and Quality

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research conducted an experiment to evaluate the effects of fertilizer level and row spacing on soybean morphological characteristics, forage yield, and nutritive value. The study aimed to determine the optimal fertilizer rate and row spacing for maximizing biomass yield and quality in the highlands of Ethiopia. The experiment used a factorial arrangement of randomized complete block design with two factors: row spacing and four fertilizer levels. The study collected data on growth parameters, forage yield, and nutritional content, which were analyzed using a general linear model. The results showed significant interactions between fertilizer rate and row spacing, with the best marginal rate of return and largest net profit obtained from 140 kg NPS fertilizer treatments with 50 cm row spacing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The experiment used a factorial arrangement of randomized complete block design with three row spacings (50, 60, and 70 cm) and four fertilizer levels (0, 100, 120, and 140 kg ha-1 NPS).
  • The study collected data on growth parameters, forage yield, and nutritional content, including ash, dry matter, organic matter, in vitro DM digestibility, fiber contents, and metabolizable energy.
  • The results showed significant interactions between fertilizer rate and row spacing, with the best marginal rate of return and largest net profit obtained from 140 kg NPS fertilizer treatments with 50 cm row spacing.
  • The optimal fertilizer rate and row spacing for maximizing biomass yield and quality were determined to be 100 kg NPS fertilizer and 50 cm row spacing, respectively.
  • The current study advises the use of forage soybean with a rate of 100 kg ha-1 NPS fertilizer and 50 cm row spacing for wider exploitation through irrigation application.

Statistics:

  • The study found a significant interaction (P < 0.01) between fertilizer rate and row spacing on growth parameters and forage yield.
  • The best marginal rate of return (MRR) was obtained from 140 kg NPS fertilizer treatments (859.85%).
  • The largest net profit (40212 birr) was obtained from 100 kg NPS fertilizer treatments with 50 cm row spacing.
  • The study concluded that forage soybean with a rate of 100 kg ha-1 NPS fertilizer and 50 cm row spacing had the highest biomass yield and quality in the highlands of Ethiopia.

Sources:

  • Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research
  • Advantages in Agriculture (Wiley)
  • DOI: 10.1155/aia.3024080
  • NewsRx LLC
  • Life Science Weekly, August 12, 2025; p 2158

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