Timing of Primary Soil Tillage as a Determinant of Soybean ( Glycine max L.) Productivity

Abstract Timing of primary soil tillage is a key agronomic practice influencing soybean (Glycine max L.) yield and seed quality. Soil physical properties, root development, and nutrient availability are affected by tillage timing, which can interact with cultivar characteristics and environmental conditions. A field experiment was conducted over two growing seasons (2023–2024) near Bačka Topola. Three tillage timings (autumn, winter, spring) and three soybean cultivars (‘NS Atlas’, ‘NS Hogar’, ‘Rubin’) were tested in a three-factorial design with three replications. Grain yield and thousand-seed weight were measured at harvest. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the main effects and interactions of year, cultivar, and tillage timing. Tillage timing significantly affected both grain yield and thousand-seed weight. Autumn tillage consistently produced the highest yield and heaviest seeds, while spring tillage resulted in the lowest values. Cultivar differences were present, with Rubin performing best, but the effect of tillage timing was more pronounced. Interactions between the year, cultivar, and tillage timing highlighted the influence of environmental conditions on yield formation. Timely primary tillage, particularly in autumn, enhances soil structure, root development, and water-nutrient use efficiency, leading to higher yields and improved seed quality. Optimal tillage timing, combined with cultivar selection, is essential for achieving stable and high soybean production under variable agroecological conditions.