Planting precision: Investigating the soybean growth dynamics with different varieties and planting geometries

In the 2022 kharif season, a field experiment was conducted at MARS, UAS, Dharwad to study the performance of soybean varieties (DSb 21, KDS 726 and KDS 753) across the different planting geometries (22.5 cm × 10 cm, 30 cm × 10 cm, 37.5 cm × 10 cm and 45 cm × 10 cm). Varieties and planting geometries interacted significantly, influencing soybean growth attributes. KDS 753 with 45 cm × 10 cm geometry recorded the highest number of branches (5.68), dry matter plant-1 (29.94 g) and canopy spread (34.33 cm). Additionally, KDS 753 with 30 cm × 10 cm geometry showed the highest leaf area index (4.82). However, KDS 753 with the narrowest geometry of 22.5 × 10 cm excelled in plant height (58.80 cm) and first pod height (13.45 cm) compared to other treatments. This result shows the impact of variety and planting geometry on soybean performance, emphasizing the significance of optimal combinations for enhanced growth attributes.