Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 280-290 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 284 Combining organic and inorganic fertilizers can provide a balanced nutrient supply, improving nutrient use efficiency and reducing environmental impact. For instance, a study on nutrient uptake and partitioning in modern soybean varieties highlighted the importance of adequate nutrient availability during key growth periods, emphasizing the need for integrated nutrient management strategies (Bender et al., 2015). By adopting these strategies, soybean farmers can achieve higher yields and sustainable production. 5 Interaction between Soybean Plant Density and Nutrient Management 5.1 Impact of density on nutrient uptake Increased nutrient competition at high density can significantly affect nutrient uptake in soybean plants. High plant density often leads to increased competition for essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which can limit the availability of these nutrients to individual plants. For instance, a study found that higher planting densities resulted in increased canopy light interception and dry matter accumulation, which in turn led to higher nutrient uptake and improved soybean productivity (Figure 2) (Xu et al., 2021). However, this increased competition can also lead to nutrient deficiencies if the soil nutrient levels are not adequately managed. Another study highlighted that while higher plant densities increased the total dry matter production, it did not necessarily translate to higher grain yields unless nutrient management was optimized (Purucker and Steinke, 2020). Lower plant densities, on the other hand, can reduce inter-plant competition for nutrients, thereby improving nutrient uptake efficiency. Research has shown that lower plant densities can lead to better nodulation and nitrogen fixation, which are crucial for soybean growth and yield. For example, a study conducted in southern Brazil demonstrated that lower plant densities resulted in increased nodulation parameters and improved plant nutritional status, although the overall yield was slightly reduced in one of the three cropping seasons (Luca et al., 2014). This suggests that while lower densities can enhance nutrient uptake, they may require careful management to avoid yield penalties. 5.2 Synergistic effects of nutrient use efficiency and density Fertilizer efficiency under different density conditions can vary significantly, and understanding this interaction is crucial for optimizing soybean yield. Studies have shown that the application of fertilizers can enhance nutrient uptake and yield, but the effectiveness of these applications can depend on the planting density. For instance, a study found that applying a combination of mineral fertilizers and organic amendments at different planting densities significantly improved nutrient uptake and yield. This indicates that nutrient use efficiency can be maximized by adjusting fertilizer applications based on plant density. Moreover, research has demonstrated that higher planting densities can improve the efficiency of nutrient use by increasing the early-season dry matter accumulation, which supports greater nutrient uptake and grain yield potential (Purucker and Steinke, 2020). Another study highlighted that the application of specific fertilizers, such as monoammonium phosphate combined with zinc sulfate, at different planting densities resulted in higher seed mass and improved yield parameters (Gonyane and Sebetha, 2021). These findings suggest that there is a synergistic effect between nutrient use efficiency and plant density, where optimal fertilization strategies can enhance the benefits of higher planting densities. 5.3 Impact of plant density on nutrient management How to adjust fertilization based on plant density is a critical aspect of soybean cultivation. High plant densities require more precise nutrient management to ensure that all plants receive adequate nutrients. Studies have shown that higher planting densities can lead to increased nutrient uptake, but this also means that the soil nutrient levels need to be carefully monitored and managed. For example, a study found that higher planting densities required more frequent and targeted fertilizer applications to maintain optimal nutrient levels and avoid deficiencies (Purucker and Steinke, 2020).
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