Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 337-347 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 338 soybean seed composition and yield, offering insights for future breeding programs. Through these efforts, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current best practices in soybean cultivation and their potential to achieve sustainable high yields. 2 Improvement of Soil Health and Fertility for Soybean Production 2.1 Soil fertility management for soybean cultivation Effective soil fertility management is crucial for optimizing soybean yield and ensuring long-term soil health. Various studies have demonstrated the importance of both organic and inorganic amendments in enhancing soil fertility. For instance, long-term organic amendments, such as straw and manure, have been shown to significantly increase soil organic matter and total nitrogen, thereby improving soybean yields (Amadou et al., 2021). Additionally, the integration of biochar-based fertilizers in crop rotations has been found to enhance soil parameters and crop quality traits, further supporting sustainable soybean production (Yuan et al., 2022). 2.2 Organic and inorganic fertilization practices The combination of organic and inorganic fertilization practices has been widely studied for its benefits on soybean yield and soil health. Research indicates that the application of manure combined with chemical fertilizers can significantly improve nitrogen use efficiency and soil fertility, leading to higher crop yields (Hua et al., 2020). Similarly, the use of composted sewage sludge has been shown to enhance soybean production and agronomic performance in naturally infertile soils, such as those in the Cerrado region of Brazil (Prates et al., 2020). These findings highlight the potential of integrated fertilization practices in promoting sustainable soybean cultivation. 2.3 Crop rotation and its benefits on soybean yield Crop rotation is a well-established practice that offers numerous benefits for soybean yield and soil health. Studies have shown that diversified crop rotations, such as corn-soybean sequences, can significantly increase crop yields compared to monocultures (Yuan et al., 2022). Additionally, crop rotation has been found to improve soil microbial communities and nutrient status, further enhancing soybean productivity (Wang et al., 2023). The positive effects of crop rotation on soil fertility and crop yield underscore its importance in sustainable agronomic practices. 2.4 Soil conditions and improvement needs in soybean cultivation fields In soybean cultivation fields, soil health and fertility are critical factors that determine crop yield and quality. However, prolonged monocropping, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and depletion of soil organic matter have led to soil degradation, acidification, and imbalances in microbial communities. These issues restrict the soil's ability to supply essential nutrients required for soybean growth, further affecting nitrogen fixation efficiency and stress resistance. Field observations in many soybean-growing regions indicate high soil compaction, low organic matter content, and suppressed rhizobial activity. In this context, adopting integrated soil improvement practices is essential. Measures such as applying organic fertilizers, returning crop residues to the field, planting green manure crops, and optimizing crop rotation systems can enhance soil nutrient content and organic matter levels. These practices not only improve soil structure and promote microbial activity but also provide a healthier soil environment for sustainable soybean production (Figure 1). 3 Water Management Strategies for High-Yield Soybeans 3.1 Efficient irrigation techniques (drip, sprinkler, and subsurface drip irrigation) Efficient irrigation techniques are crucial for optimizing water use and enhancing soybean yield. Drip irrigation, including surface drip (SDI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI), has been shown to significantly improve water productivity and yield. A study conducted in Antalya, Turkey, demonstrated that SSDI treatments used approximately 90 mm less water than SDI without any reduction in yield, indicating higher water use efficiency (Aydinsakir et al., 2021). Similarly, a meta-analysis in China found that drip fertigation, which combines drip irrigation with fertilization, led to a 26.4% increase in water productivity and a 12.0% increase in yield compared to traditional irrigation methods (Li et al., 2021).
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