Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 216-226 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 224 8.3 Sustainable practices for soybean cultivation Future directions for sustainable soybean cultivation should focus on the integration of advanced irrigation and fertilization techniques with sustainable agricultural practices. The use of drip irrigation systems, combined with optimized fertilization strategies, has been shown to significantly enhance soybean yield and quality traits in arid regions (Li et al., 2022). No-till farming practices, coupled with appropriate phosphorus fertilization, can improve soil properties and phosphorus use efficiency, leading to higher soybean yields (Chauke et al., 2022). Long-term co-application of rhizobium inoculation and fertilizers not only increases soybean yield but also promotes soil microbial diversity, which is crucial for maintaining soil health and fertility (Wei et al., 2023). Therefore, adopting a holistic approach that combines technological innovations with sustainable practices is essential for the future of soybean cultivation. 9 Conclusion The review of various studies on the effect of irrigation and fertilization on soybean growth and yield across different soil types has highlighted several critical insights. Optimal fertilization levels, particularly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), significantly influence soybean yield, with nitrogen being the most sensitive factor in arid regions. Supplemental irrigation during the reproductive stages has been shown to enhance soybean growth and yield, especially in regions with high annual precipitation but periodic soil water deficits. The interaction between irrigation and fertilization regimes is crucial, as inappropriate management can lead to unstable yields and potential soil degradation. Different irrigation regimes, such as full irrigation and deficit irrigation, have varying impacts on yield and water productivity, with moderate irrigation often providing the best balance. Long-term fertilization combined with supplementary irrigation can significantly improve yield and water use efficiency in rainfed systems. Drip irrigation has been found to prevent yield decreases in low rainfall years, highlighting its importance in maintaining stable yields. Tailored irrigation schedules based on soil type can optimize soybean production, with sandy loam soils benefiting the most from frequent irrigation. Potassium fertilization under water deficit conditions can improve physiological responses and yield. Soil compaction, irrigation, and fertilization collectively influence vegetative and physiological characteristics, with proper management mitigating negative impacts. Finally, specific irrigation intervals and combined soil and foliar fertilization can maximize yield and quality. The importance of tailored irrigation and fertilization practices based on soil types cannot be overstated for enhancing soybean productivity. Different soil types respond uniquely to irrigation and fertilization regimes, necessitating customized approaches to maximize yield and resource use efficiency. For instance, sandy loam soils require more frequent irrigation to achieve optimal yields, while loam and clay soils may not need as frequent watering. In arid regions, precise nitrogen fertilization is critical to achieving high yields under drip irrigation systems. In temperate regions with variable precipitation, supplemental irrigation during critical growth stages can significantly boost yields. Additionally, the combination of soil and foliar fertilization, particularly with potassium, can enhance plant water status and yield under water deficit conditions. Long-term studies have shown that integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers with appropriate irrigation schedules can sustainably improve productivity and water use efficiency in rainfed systems. Therefore, understanding the specific requirements of different soil types and adjusting irrigation and fertilization practices accordingly is essential for optimizing soybean growth and yield, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, and enhancing overall productivity. Acknowledgments The authors sincerely thank Professor Cai Renxiang for his guidance and support in this research project, as well as for his careful review of the initial draft and valuable revision suggestions. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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