Chemical Composition and Yield of Soybeans as Affected by Irrigation and Deep Placement of Lime, Phosphorus and Potassium

An experiment was conducted on Davidson clay loam in 1969 and 1970 to measure the effects of irrigation, and lime and fertilizer placements on the quality and quantity of soybeans (Glycine max (L) Merrill). Treatment consisted of 49 kg P/haand 186 kg K/ha disked into the Ap layer in each of the two years. Plough sole placement(30.5 cm) consisted of various rates and ratios of P and K with and without lime and micronutrients.

Deep placement of lime and fertilizer did not affect the yield and quality of soybeans. Irrigation increased lodging, delayed maturity and significantly increased the yield of beans and hay each year. Leaf P and K, and protein contents of beans were unaffected by irrigation. Oil content of beans was increased significantly with irrigation. Irrigation also significantly increased seed size and purple stain. The soil pH and available P, K, Ca and Mg of various soil depths were affected by lime, P and K treatments.