Influence of levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium applied to soil on growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Abstract

This study was conducted with the objective of determining the effects of levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium applied to soil on growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill). A 3³ factorial experiment with three replications was performed. The experimental area was located at Piracicaba (ESALQ), the soil belonging to the Guamium series. IAC-2, an indeterminate soybean cultivar, was used. N, P and K were applied in the rows at the levels of 0, 20 and 40 kg(ha (N), 0, 60 and 120 kg/ha (P(2)0(5)), and 0, 30 and 60 kg/ha. (K(2)0). Plant samples were taken at 21 days intervals starting at emergence and continuing until partial fall of the leaves (105 days after emergence). The following conclusions were reached: N, P and K had effect on the growth the soybean plants; the plants had their highest rate of growth 61 days after emergence; the production of grains was affected only by the levels of phosphorus applied to the soil