Effect of phosphorus nutrition and agrochemicals on the productivity of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]

A field experiment was carried out during Kharif seasons of 2003 and 2004. Pooled analysis of data indicated that phosphorus sources had no significant effect on dry matter accumulation, yield attributes and yield of soybean. Further, PR (34/74) + cowdung (1:3) + PSB provided significantly higher net returns (Rs. 14077 ha⁻¹) and B C ratio (1.39) over DAP. Phosphorus fertilization at 60 kg P₂O₅ha⁻¹ registered significant increase in seed, stover and biological yields by 9.14, 6.47 and 7.21 per cent over 40 kg P₂O₅ha⁻¹. This level also registered significantly higher net returns (Rs. 14439 ha⁻¹) and B C ratio (1.39) over 40 kg P₂O₅ha⁻¹. Among the agrochemicals, foliar spray of brassinolide significantly increased dry matter accumulation per plant, yield attributes, seed (14.60 q ha⁻¹), stover (33.90 q ha⁻¹), biological yield (48.50 q ha⁻¹), net returns (Rs. 17174 ha⁻¹) and B C ratio (1.74) as compared to benzyladenine, KCl and water spray.