Sustainable Nutrient Management Strategies for Enhancing Soybean Productivity through Biochar and Manure Integration

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important legume crop, and sustainable nutrient management is crucial for boosting productivity and maintaining soil health. The aim of the study is to investigate sustainable nutrient management strategies for enhancing soybean productivity through biochar and manure integration. A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2024–25 at Shri Vaishnav Institute of Agriculture, Indore, using a Randomized Block Design with eight treatments and three replications. The soil of the study location was medium black clay with clayey loam texture, belonging to the Vertisol order. Soybean variety JS 9560 was sown on 3rd July 2024 at a spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm with a seed rate of 75 kg ha⁻¹. Treatments combined biochar (BC), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), and recommended fertilizer dose (RDF). Growth parameters including plant height, dry matter per plant, number of leaves and branches per plant were recorded at 30, 45, 60, and 75 DAS and at harvest, with measurements taken from five randomly selected plants per plot. Results showed that T8 (50% RDF + 2.5 t BC ha⁻¹ + 2.5 t VC ha⁻¹) significantly improved plant growth parameters and gave the highest grain (12.52 q ha⁻¹) and straw yield (18.74 q ha⁻¹). T8 was statistically similar to T7 (50% RDF + BC + FYM) and T2 (100% RDF).  Economically, T2 gave the highest net return (₹35,368 ha⁻¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.38), making it most profitable. Although T8 had the highest gross return (₹62,600 ha⁻¹), higher input costs reduced its net return and B:C ratio (1.17), indicating better sustainability than short-term profit. In conclusion, integrating biochar and vermicompost with 50% RDF (T8) enhanced yield and soil health, offering a sustainable soybean production strategy.