Effect of Sulphur and Nitrogen Application on Growth Characteristics, Seed and Oil Yields of Soybean Cultivars

A field experiment was conducted to assess the growth characteristics, seed and oil yield of two cultivars of soybean (G max (L.) Merr.) cv. PK-416 ($V_1$) and cv. PK-1024 ($V_2$) in relation to sulphur and nitrogen nutrition. Six combinations ($T_1-T_6$) of two levels of sulphur (0 and 40 kg $ha^{-1}$) and two levels of nitrogen (23.5 and 43.5 kg $ha^{-1}$) were applied to the two soybean cultivars as nutrients. Results indicated significant effect of sulphur and nitrogen, when applied together, on the growth characteristics, yield components, and seed and oil yield. Maximum response was observed with treatment $T_6$ (having 40 kg S and 43.5 kg N $ha^{-1}$). Seed and Oil yields were increased 90 and $102\%$ in $V_1$> and 104 and $123\%$ in $V_2$, respectively as compared to the control i.e. $T_1$ (having 0 kg S and 23.5 kg N $ha^{-1}$). Positive responses of S and N interaction on leaf area index, leaf area duration, crop growth rate and biomass production were also observed. The results obtained in these experiments clearly suggest that balanced and judicious application of nitrogen and sulphur can improve both seed and oil yield of soybean cultivars by enhancing their growth.