Growth, Rainfall Use Efficiency and Economics of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Varieties as Influenced by Intense Spacing under Ridge and Furrow Planting System in Western Himalayas

Author: Pragya Naithani, Ajay Kumar, B.S. Mahapatra, Priya Bisht, D.K. Shukla, R.K. Sharma and Mandeep Rawat

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Abstract

In the face of limited resources and changing climatic conditions, a major challenge for agriculturists is to ensure food security while addressing the issue of an ever-growing population. To meet these challenges, optimization of agronomic practices for better growth and input use efficiency can be a solution. Strategic selection of appropriate varieties and spacing arrangements can enhance growth and ensure sustainable soybean cultivation practices. A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2019–20 at GBPUAT, Pantnagar, to investigate the impact of intense spacing within the ridge and furrow planting system on growth, rainfall use efficiency, and economic aspects of soybean. The study encompassed two soybean varieties (PS 1092 and SL 958) and four plant-to-plant spacing treatments (5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, and 20 cm) arranged in a split-plot design. Results indicated that variety SL 958 exhibited significantly greater height compared to PS 1092 throughout various growth stages. Dry matter accumulation peaked with a plant-to-plant spacing of 20 at 60, 75, and 90 days after sowing. A spacing of 10 cm demonstrated significantly higher rainfall use efficiency (RUE), indicating optimum use of resources at closer spacing. Economically, soybean cultivation within the ridge and furrow system proved profitable when plant-to-plant spacing of 10 cm was employed. Overall, intense spacing of 10 cm emerged as the optimal choice for varieties SL 958 and PS 1092 in the context of both growth and economics. This study thus shows that better growth, higher RUE, and economic viability of soybean can be achieved by cultivating them in intense spacing under ridge and furrow planting system, in the western Himalayan region.

Keywords

CGR, PS 1092, RGR, RUE, SL 958, Soybean, Spacing, Variety

Conclusion

The findings of the study investigate plant height, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rates, and relative growth rates of varieties in spacing arrangements. Intense spacing's influence on plant height was consistent with the competition for light theory, leading to taller plants at closer intervals. Additionally, the analysis of rainfall use efficiency highlighted the pivotal role of spacing in maximizing water utilization, with tighter spacing promoting superior water-use efficiency. Economically, our analysis underscores the significance of spacing arrangements. The 45 × 10 spacing configuration emerged as the most economically promising, yielding substantial gross and net returns along with a benefit-cost ratio that is more than one. Furthermore, our comparison of PS 1092 and SL 958 varieties revealed nuanced economic outcomes, suggesting comparable economic viability under different conditions. In conclusion, this study points out that amalgamation of intense spacing and the ridge and furrow planting system offers a transformative avenue to advance soybean cultivation in Tarai region of western Himalayas. The investigation into the growth, RUE and economics of soybean varieties as influenced by intense spacing under the ridge and furrow planting system in the Tarai region of the Western Himalayas embodies a significant step toward unlocking the region's agricultural potential. This research seeks to inform decision-makers, farmers, and researchers, offering evidence-based insights to optimize soybean cultivation practices and foster sustainable agricultural practices.

References

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How to cite this article

Pragya Naithani, Ajay Kumar, B.S. Mahapatra, Priya Bisht, D.K. Shukla, R.K. Sharma and Mandeep Rawat (2023). Growth, Rainfall Use Efficiency and Economics of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Varieties as Influenced by Intense Spacing under Ridge and Furrow Planting System in Western Himalayas. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8a): 414-420.