Effectiveness of plant growth promoters in soybean growing in the forest-steppe of West Siberia

Abstract

The influence of growth promoters on the germination, development and yield of soybean variety Sibiriada on the meadow-chernozemic soil of the forest-steppe of West Siberia was studied. The content of N-NO₃ before sowing in the 0-40 cm soil layer was low; the content of mobile phosphorus and potassium in the 0-20 cm layer was, respectively, increased and very high. The growth promoters had a positive effect on the field germination of soybean plants. Soaking of seeds before sowing with Lignohumate increased field germination by 4.4% and that with Zerebra Agro - by 14.4% as compared to the control (soaking with water, 76.6%). When using the preparations, increase of soybean plant survival to harvesting was observed: from 87.0% in the control to 89.6% and 92.6%, respectively. The flowering and ripening stage lasted for 58-63 days; shoots and ripening - 92-97 days. The preparations contributed to the acceleration of bean formation and maturation. The use of plant growth promoters reduced the growing season by 5 days. When using Lignohumate for seed treatment and joint application in seed treatment and leaf spraying, the bean yield gain averaged 0.15 and 0.27 t ha (the yield without preparations - 2.19 t ha); Zerebra Agro - 0.24 and 0.33 t ha, respectively. Seed treatment with growth promoters and spraying during the growing season is more effective than seed treatment only. The use of Zerebra Agro ensures greater yield gains especially by seed treatment.