Effect of seed rate, row spacing and fertility levels on growth and nutrient uptake of soybean (Glycine max. L.) under temperate conditions.

A field experiment was conducted at Shalimar Campus during kharif seasons of 2004 and 2005 on a silty clay loam soil, medium in available N and K, low in available P to study the production performance of soybean as influenced by seed rate, row spacing and fertility levels under temperate conditions. The experiment comprising 27 treatment combinations viz., 3 levels each of seed rate (40, 60 and 80 kg ha -1 ), row spacing (30, 45 and 60 cm) and fertility (40:60:40, 60:90:60 and 80:120:80 of N: P2O5 :K2O kg ha -1 ) was laid out in split plot design replicated thrice. Application of N80 P120 K80 kg ha -1 significantly improved the growth parameters viz., plant height, LAI, number of nodules plant -1 , fresh nodule weight and dry matter accumulation. Uptake of nutrients both N and P were increased with increase in fertility levels. Significantly more protein and oil content were also recorded at highest fertility level of N P2O5 K2O i.e. N80 P120 K80 kg ha -1