Optimization of technological cultivation methods as a key to enhancing soybean productivity in the Kursk Region

Federal Agricultural Kursk Research Center, Kursk, Russia

^* Corresponding author: g_deriglazova@mail.ru

Abstract

This study aimed to optimize technological methods for cultivating soybeans in the Kursk region, conducted from 2022 to 2023 at the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Kursk FARC" on typical chernozem. The research involved two field experiments: the first examined the effects of four seed sowing rates on two mineral nutrition backgrounds, while the second investigated the effectiveness of microelement fertilizers when applied to soybean seeds and crops. The results showed that the application of mineral fertilizers significantly increased soybean yields. The highest protein and oil collection rates were achieved at a seeding rate of 0.6 million viable seeds per hectare in the fertilized version. Additionally, the use of microelement fertilizers, specifically MicroFeed Boron, resulted in high soybean yields, protein content, and oil content. Based on the findings, it is recommended that soybeans be cultivated with a seeding rate of 0.6 million viable seeds per hectare, accompanied by the application of mineral fertilizers and MicroFeed Boron during the 2^nd and 6^th trifoliate leaf phases to achieve maximum soybean yield, protein, and oil collection.