Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 303-314 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 310 soybean with cotton and adopting irrigation strategies like drip and sprinkler systems have been shown to improve grain yield and water productivity, making these practices viable options for farmers to achieve optimal productivity under varying climatic conditions (Rao et al., 2023). Furthermore, the application of biochar and irrigation in the Southeastern United States has been found to increase future corn yields, suggesting that similar practices could benefit soybean production by improving soil structure and moisture retention (Lychuk et al., 2017). Conservation agriculture practices not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also contribute to sustainable agricultural systems by enhancing soil fertility and reducing environmental degradation. 9 Case Study: Successful Agronomic Practices in a High-Yield Soybean Farm 9.1 Background of the case study farm The case study farm is located in the fertile region of Arlington, Wisconsin, known for its conducive environment for soybean cultivation. The farm has been operational for over two decades, focusing on sustainable and high-yield agronomic practices. The farm's management has consistently aimed to integrate advanced agronomic techniques to optimize soybean yield and maintain soil health. 9.2 Agronomic management techniques implemented The farm implemented a series of integrated agronomic management practices to enhance soybean yield. Key techniques included Early planting and row spacing: The farm adopted early planting (late April) and narrow row spacing (38 cm) to expedite canopy closure, which was found to significantly increase yield compared to standard planting times and wider row spacing. Tillage practices: Conventional tillage was preferred over no-till systems, as it resulted in higher yields by improving soil conditions and reducing weed competition (Arsenijevic et al., 2021). Nutrient management: The farm utilized a combination of inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments such as Farmyard Manure (FYM) and compost. This integrated nutrient management approach improved nutrient uptake and soil health, leading to increased yields (Sikka et al., 2013; Chirde et al., 2020). Weed and pest control: A pre-emergence herbicide program was employed to manage weeds effectively, ensuring minimal competition for resources during the critical early growth stages of the soybean plants. Additionally, biocide spraying was used to control pests and diseases, further protecting the crop and enhancing yield (Vugt et al., 2016). Inoculation and plant population: The use of Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculants and increased plant populations were key strategies. These practices improved nitrogen fixation and overall plant health, contributing to higher yields (Ronner et al., 2016; Vugt et al., 2016). 9.3 Yield outcomes and lessons learned The implementation of these integrated agronomic practices led to significant improvements in soybean yield. Key outcomes included Yield Increase: Early planting and narrow row spacing resulted in a yield increase of 188 to 902 kg·ha⁻¹ compared to standard practices (Arsenijevic et al., 2021). The use of integrated nutrient management, including FYM and compost, further boosted yields by up to 5.9% over conventional fertilizer use alone (Sikka et al., 2013; Chirde et al., 2020). Economic Benefits: The combination of inoculation, increased plant population, and optimal nutrient management resulted in substantial economic gains. For instance, the participatory research in Malawi demonstrated an average profit increase of US$222 ha⁻¹ with these practices (Vugt et al., 2016). Soil Health Improvement: The inclusion of organic amendments such as FYM and compost not only enhanced yield but also improved soil organic carbon content and nutrient availability, ensuring long-term soil health (Sikka et al., 2013). Environmental Sustainability: The farm's practices also contributed to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through no-tillage and residue management strategies, while maintaining high yields (Langeroodi et al., 2019). 10 Conclusion and Future Directions The integration of various agronomic management practices has shown significant potential in optimizing soybean yield. The application of Farmyard Manure (FYM) in combination with NPK fertilizers consistently improved soybean yield and nutrient uptake compared to the use of NPK alone, with an increase of up to 10.8% in yield. Additionally, the use of wheat straw mulch and precise direct seeding techniques have been effective in enhancing soil moisture, reducing soil temperature, and subsequently increasing soybean yield by 24.7%. Early
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