Effects of autumn and spring primary tillage on soybean yield and 1000-grain weight in the agro-ecological conditions of Serbia

 

Marija Bajagić1, Vojin Đukić2, Zlatica Miladinov2, Gordana Dozet3, Gorica Cvijanović4, Jegor Miladinović2, Vojin Cvijanović5

 

1University Bijeljina, Faculty of Agriculture, Bijeljina Republic of Srpska, BiH

2Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad, Serbia

3Megatrend University, Faculty of Biofarming Bačka Topola, Serbia

4Institute of Information Technologies University Kragujevac, Serbia

5Institute for Science Application in Agriculture, Serbia

 

Abstract

 

            Soybean yield depends on the selection of cultivars, soil fertility, applied cultivation practices, and agroclimatic conditions over the years. High-quality and timely primary tillage is essential for stable development and high yields of soybean plants. The effect of autumn and spring primary tillage on soybean yield and 1000-grain weight was examined in a three-year study (2013-2015). The trial included cultivars with different maturity periods, developed at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad: Valjevka and Galina 0 maturity group, Sava and NS Maximus I maturity group, Rubin and Venera II maturity group. Trial subplots were prepared using different periods of primary tillage, which was conducted in autumn (November, 01–05) and spring (March, 25–31). The highest yields and 1000-grain weight were obtained after autumn primary tillage in all the three study years. Yield decrease by 2.72% to 38.91% and 1000-grain weight decrease of 1.33%-11.93% were recorded after spring primary tillage.

 

            Key words: soybean yield, 1000-grain weight, primary tillage.