Effects of Foliar Application of Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) on Agronomic Characteristics of Soybean (Glycine max L.)

Authors : İrfan Özer
Pages : 48-55
View : 33 | Download : 39
Publication Date : 2025-06-30
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :This study was conducted over a period of two years to determine the effects of foliar-applied iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) on the agronomic characteristics of soybean (Glycine max L.). The research was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four treatments: control, Fe, Zn, and Fe+Zn. The treatments were applied by foliar spraying during the vegetative growth stage. In the applications, 1.5 kg/da of iron sulfate (FeSO₄•7H₂O) and 3 kg/da of zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄•7H₂O) fertilizers were used. The treatments were evaluated based on parameters such as plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, first pod height, pod length, number of seeds per pod, first branch height, 100-seed weight, 1000-seed weight, yield per plot, and yield per decare, as well as quality traits such as protein (%), ash (%), and oil content (%). The findings indicated that Fe and Zn applications significantly affected certain agronomic traits depending on the year, including plant height (p<0.05), number of branches per plant (p<0.01), number of seeds per pod (p<0.05), first branch height (p<0.05), and yield per plot (p<0.01). The highest average yield over two years (389.33 kg/da) was obtained from the Fe+Zn treatment. Regarding quality parameters, the highest protein content (37.59%) was observed in the first year under the Fe+Zn treatment, the highest ash content (9.10%) in the second year under the Fe+Zn treatment, and the highest oil content (19.8%) in the second year under the Fe treatment. In conclusion, foliar applications of Fe and Zn supported the growth of soybean plants, enhancing both yield and quality, and can be considered an important nutritional strategy for sustainable production.
Keywords : Soybean, foliar fertilization, iron, zinc, micronutrients, yield

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