Soybean Response to Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilization
Abstract
Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill.] yields in North Dakota have not yet reached their genetic potential. Applying fertilizers may increase yields. This study was conducted to understand the impact of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilization on soybean plant density, vigor, greenness, height, yield, test weight, protein and oil content, nodulation, vegetation, and root growth. Two varieties were planted in experiments across ten environments during 2015-2016. Yield differed between environments (up to 77%). Varieties responded differently to N and S fertilizer. Nitrogen (56 kg N ha-1) in the form of broadcast incorporated urea increased vigor (13%) and yield (3.6%) but decreased plant density (5.7%) and nodulation (from 31.8 to 23.7 nodules plant-1). Nitrogen application of 56 kg N ha-1 increased yield 118 kg ha-1 when averaged over all environments. Sulfur, in the form of broadcast incorporated gypsum, decreased protein concentration and increased early season nodule size.