The growth and yield development of soybean (glycine max (l) merill) variety as affected by fertilizer application

The study was designed to evaluate the impact of different fertilizer on the growth and yield of soybean varieties at Babcock university farm, Ilishan-Remo in 2009 and 2010. The experimental design was a randomized complete block (RCBD) using three replications. The treatments are three varieties of soybean: (TGx 1740-2F), (TGx 1842 - IE) and (TGx 1448 -2E) and four different fertilizers application: 4ton/ha compost; 30kgN/ha, urea, combination of 2ton/ha compost and 30kgN/ha urea, and (a control). Data analysis using ANOVA at 5% level of probability showed Plant height, number of leaves, number of nodes and branches were significantly higher in fertilizer plots than in the control (P < 0.05). However at 8, 10 and 12 weeks after planting, plant height was significantly influenced by both application of 2t/ha compost + 30kgN/ha urea and 4t/ha compost which was superior to other fertilizer treatments and the control. Number of leaves showed the similar trend where compost rate of 4t/ha was superior at all stages of growth measured. At 12 weeks after planting, TGx 1842 – IE had significantly higher plant height compared with the other varieties study. Application of compost at the rate of 4t/ha produced significantly higher number of seeds per plant followed by combine application of 2t/ha compost + 30kgN/ha and the least from the control plots.