Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 280-290 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 287 dispersed struvite, have shown promise in providing sustained nutrient delivery, which can significantly improve root system development and overall plant biomass. For instance, the use of struvite-based fertilizers resulted in up to three times higher shoot mass and ten times higher root mass compared to traditional fertilizers, highlighting their potential in optimizing nutrient uptake and improving yield (Valle et al., 2022). Additionally, the foliar application of micronutrients like zinc and boron has been demonstrated to enhance water-use efficiency and production efficiency, suggesting that integrating these approaches with slow-release fertilizers could further boost soybean productivity (Dass et al., 2022). Smart fertilization technologies, including the use of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for real-time monitoring of plant nutrient status, offer another avenue for improving fertilizer use efficiency. NDVI has been effectively used to estimate soybean biomass and nutrient uptake, providing farmers with a tool to assess spatial variability in crop growth and adjust fertilization strategies accordingly (Farias et al., 2023). Future research should focus on integrating these technologies with slow-release fertilizers to develop comprehensive nutrient management systems that maximize yield while minimizing environmental impact. 8.2 Dynamic adjustment of plant density based on environment Optimizing plant density in response to changing environmental conditions is essential for maintaining high soybean yields. Climate change poses significant challenges to traditional planting strategies, necessitating dynamic adjustments to plant density to ensure optimal light interception, water use, and nutrient uptake. Studies have shown that higher planting densities can significantly increase canopy light interception and dry matter accumulation, leading to improved soybean productivity (Xu et al., 2021). However, the benefits of higher densities must be balanced against the risk of increased competition for resources, particularly under variable climatic conditions. Research has also indicated that uniform plant distribution can enhance yield by reducing plant-to-plant variability and improving canopy light interception (Xu et al., 2021). This suggests that future studies should explore the potential of adaptive planting strategies that adjust density and distribution patterns based on real-time environmental data. Additionally, the feasibility of lowering planting density without compromising yield, as demonstrated in some studies, should be further investigated to develop flexible planting guidelines that can be tailored to specific climatic scenarios (Luca et al., 2014). 8.3 New cultivars and response to density-nutrient interactions Breeding high-yield soybean cultivars that are well-suited to high-density planting and responsive to nutrient management practices is a critical area for future research. The interaction between plant density and nutrient availability can significantly influence soybean yield and quality. For example, studies have shown that lower plant densities can enhance nodulation and nitrogen fixation, which are vital for maintaining soil fertility and crop productivity (Luca et al., 2014; Wang, 2024). Conversely, higher densities may require cultivars with improved nutrient uptake efficiency to mitigate the effects of increased competition. The development of new soybean cultivars should focus on traits that enhance their adaptability to varying plant densities and nutrient conditions. This includes breeding for improved root architecture, which can facilitate better nutrient uptake and support higher planting densities (Valle et al., 2022). Additionally, the response of different cultivars to foliar nutrient applications, such as zinc and boron, should be explored to identify those that can maximize yield under specific nutrient management regimes (Dass et al., 2022). By integrating these breeding efforts with advanced nutrient management practices, it will be possible to develop soybean production systems that are both high-yielding and sustainable. 9 Concluding Remarks The optimization of soybean yield is significantly influenced by both plant density and nutrient management. Higher planting densities have been shown to increase canopy light interception and dry matter accumulation, leading to improved soybean productivity. For instance, a study demonstrated that increasing planting density
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