Influence of nitrogen fertilization, seed inoculation and the synergistic effect of these treatments on soybean yielding under conditions in south-western Poland

Abstract

Abstract Soybean, belonging to legumes, has a specific ability to biological nitrogen fixation, which can be reinforced by seeds inoculation. However, support with a starter dose of mineral nitrogen fertiliser may be necessary to achieve high seed yields. A four-year field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of mineral N fertilization (0, 30, 60 kg∙ha− 1), seed inoculation with different commercial preparation (HiStick Soy and Nitragina) and combinations of these treatments on yield components and yielding of soybean in conditions of south-western part of Poland. The synergistic effect of mineral fertilization at dose 30 kg ha− 1 and inoculation on soybean productivity was the most beneficial. Similar effects were observed when 60 kg N·ha− 1 was applied both separately and with inoculation. However, due to the environmental impact of mineral fertilisers and to promote plants to BNF, it is advisable to use lower doses of N fertiliser (at 30 kg∙ha− 1) and inoculate soybean seeds in agro- climatic conditions of south-western Poland.