SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX (L.) MERR.) RESPONSE TO COMMERCIAL INOCULATION WITH BRADYRHIZOBIUM JAPONICUM

The symbiotic nitrogen fixation is used to maximum advantage in the case of leguminous crops. It is therefore important to inoculate seeds with relevant strains of bacteria before sowing especially if the crop is to be grown for the first time on the land. A field experiment was done to assess the effect of inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum on the growth and yield performance of soybean. Soybean cultivars inoculated with Nitrazon had significantly greater nodule numbers and dry weight of nodules compared to un-inoculated control. The bacterial preparation increased plant lodging and extended their vegetation period. Nitrazon had a positive effect on the number of pods per plant and thousand seed weight. The obtained increase in seed yield was 0.54 t.ha(-1) compared to the control. Measurements of soil plant analysis development (SPAD) and leaf area index (LAI) showed that the plants were better nourished and had a higher green mass after Nitrazon application. Seed inoculation did not modify the leaf stomatal conductance (Gs). Nitrazon increased total protein content in seeds. The tested parameters were significantly diversified between cultivars and in the years of the study.