RESPONSE OF SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX L) TO PHOSPHORUS, BORON AND MOLYBDENUM APPLICATION IN A SANDY LOAM SEMI-ARID SOIL

CASE STUDY OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC BALI

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the response of Soybean (Glycine Max L.) to Phosphorus, Boron and Molybdenum application in a sandy loam semi-arid soil. The experimental design was completely randomized design with three replicates. The results were subjected to analysis of Variance using statistical software and treatments mean were compared at 5% probability level. Mean separation was carried out using the least significant difference method. The present experiment was conducted at screen house Department of Crop Production Technology, School of Agricultural Technology, Federal Polytechnic Bali for eight (8) weeks between July and August 2023. Soybean variety (TGX 1951) was sown in pots containing twelve (12) treatments (Control, B, Mo, B+Mo, P₁, P₁+B, P₁+Mo, P₁+B,+Mo, P₂, P₂+B, P₂+Mo, P₂+B+Mo). Observation on plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, fresh and dry matter weight were recorded. Treatments involving phosphorus and Molybdenum recorded significant effects on the parameters measured, while treatments involving Boron had the lowest effects presumably due to toxic effects of Boron on soybean plant. It could be concluded from the overall results that higher level of Boron causes possible antagonism between Boron and Molybdenum in soybean presumably due to the competition between borate and molybdate anion on the root cells resulting in low molybdenum absorption. It is therefore recommended that combine application of Phosphorus and Molybdenum should be encouraged among farmers in soybean production.