Effect of manuring and fertilization on yield and uptake of nutrients by soybean under soybean-wheat cropping sequence

The present study was conducted during 2024–25 at the Research Farm, Department of Soil Science, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, to evaluate the effect of manuring and fertilization on yield, nutrient content, and uptake by soybean under a soybean–wheat cropping system. The experimental soil was characterized as montmorillonitic, hyperthermic, with high clay content and typical swell–shrink behaviour. The experiment comprised eight treatments arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. Treatments included varying levels of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF): 50% N + 100% PK and 75% N + 100% PK, each in combination with farmyard manure (FYM @ 5 t ha⁻¹); 100% NPK; FYM alone @ 10 t ha⁻¹; 100% NPK + sulphur @ 37.5 kg ha⁻¹; 100% NPK + crop residue management; 75% N + 100% PK + residue management; and an unfertilized control. The highest seed and fodder yield of soybean was obtained with the application of 75% N + 100% PK in combination with FYM @ 5 t ha⁻¹, followed by 100% NPK + sulphur @ 37.5 kg ha⁻¹ and 100% NPK with residue management. The control plot recorded the lowest yields. Regarding nutrient content, the highest nitrogen concentration in plant tissues was observed under 75% N + 100% PK + FYM @ 5 t ha⁻¹, followed by 100% NPK + sulphur and 50% N + 100% PK. Phosphorus content was also highest with the 75% N + 100% PK + FYM treatment, followed by 100% NPK + sulphur. Potassium content peaked under 100% NPK + residue management, followed by 75% N + 100% PK + FYM. The lowest nutrient content and uptake (N, P, and K) were consistently recorded in the control treatment.