Comparison between conventional sowing and group sowing with increasing covering doses of potassium on soybean production (Glycine max L.)

Abstract

Efficient management and new technologies for cost decrease and increase of productivity are highly relevant for soybean producers, especially in current globalized and competitive market. The performance of two culture systems in soybean cultivation is evaluated, specifically with regard to the traditional row sowing and an innovating planting alternative in groups by a mechanical adaptation of a conventional sowing machine. Experiment consisted of a concomitant planting of a soybean culture by a traditional eight-row sower, with four undertaken by a conventional mechanical seed doser and four by a seed doser modified for the group distribution of 3 to 4 seeds. All culture treatments were similar in the two sowing systems and with the same quantity of fertilizer for both. Experiment consisted of 2 x 3 randomized blocks, with four repetitions. The number of fertile legumes with 1, 2 and 3 seeds in each row was determined and thus the productivity of each plant in the sub-lots was provided. Data were tested for normality and homogeneity and analyzed by variance analysis and Tukey’s test at 5%. Treatments with group sowing had a significantly higher productivity when compared with the conventional one.