Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 337-347 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 344 7.3 Lessons learned and future directions The case studies from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Malawi provide valuable insights into the impact of agronomic practices on soybean yield. Key lessons learned include early planting and narrow row spacing, which are effective strategies for enhancing soybean yield by promoting faster canopy closure and reducing competition with weeds (Arsenijevic et al., 2021). Additionally, co-inoculation with beneficial bacteria such as Azospirillum brasilense and Bradyrhizobium spp. can improve root mass, nodule number, and grain yield, particularly in regions with specific soil and climatic conditions (Barbosa et al., 2021). The use of organic fertilizers, such as composted sewage sludge, also plays a role in sustainably increasing soybean yield in infertile soils, offering an alternative to conventional mineral fertilizers (Prates et al., 2020). Furthermore, agronomic practices must be tailored to local environmental conditions to optimize yield and sustainability, as evidenced by the Pampean region in Argentina, where favorable climatic conditions lead to higher GHG and energy efficiencies. Future research should focus on further refining these practices to enhance their effectiveness and adaptability across different regions. Additionally, there is a need for continued efforts to improve the availability and quality of inoculants and organic fertilizers to support sustainable soybean production. By integrating these advanced agronomic strategies, farmers can achieve higher yields and contribute to the overall sustainability of soybean cultivation. 8 Concluding Remarks Recent studies have highlighted several agronomic practices that significantly enhance soybean yield. The adoption of no-till strip row farming, which involves growing maize and soybeans in alternate strips and rotating them yearly, has shown a remarkable 75% increase in maize yield, suggesting potential benefits for soybean as well. Foliar application of macro- and micronutrients, particularly chelated zinc, has been demonstrated to improve soybean productivity, economic returns, and resource-use efficiency in semi-arid climates. Co-inoculation of soybean with Azospirillum brasilense and Bradyrhizobiumspp. has also been found to increase root mass, nodule number, and grain yield, contributing to sustainable soybean production. Additionally, the use of composted sewage sludge as a fertilizer in naturally infertile soils has resulted in significant yield increases, highlighting the potential of organic fertilizers in enhancing soybean production. Despite these advancements, several challenges remain in soybean production. Weather volatility continues to be a major factor affecting yield variability, as demonstrated by the significant impact of weather conditions on soybean yield in drained paddy fields. The need for sustainable nutrient management practices is critical, particularly in regions with semi-arid climates where inadequate nutrient management poses a significant challenge. Furthermore, the integration of weed management practices with agronomic practices is essential to ensure timely canopy closure and optimal yield, as delayed canopy development due to weed competition can significantly reduce yields. The environmental impact of soybean cultivation, particularly greenhouse gas emissions, also presents a challenge that requires the development of agronomic practices that mitigate these emissions while maintaining yield. Research and innovation play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of sustainable soybean farming. The development and dissemination of improved soybean varieties and agronomic practices have been shown to significantly enhance productivity and income for smallholder farmers. The integration of technology, such as precision agriculture tools, sensor-based monitoring systems, and AI applications, has revolutionized farming by enabling precise resource management and data-driven decision-making. Additionally, the adoption of integrated production systems that utilize crop residues Acknowledgments The authors express deep gratitude to Professor Cai Renxiang, Researcher at the Zhejiang Agronomist College/Institute of Life Sciences for his thorough review of the manuscript and constructive suggestions. The authors also extend thanks to the two anonymous peer reviewers for their valuable revision recommendations.
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