Effect of Different Levels of Rhizobium Inoculation on the Early Growth of Selected Soybean (Glycine max L.) Varieties

Soya bean is one of the most important crops in the world and presents great versatility. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of rhizobium inoculations at different levels on the early growth of two Soybean varieties (Glycine max L.). The study was conducted at the Botanic Nursery in the Department of Plant Biology, Bayero University, Kano. TGX 1835-10E and TGX 1834-5E Soybean varieties were tested. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Different levels of rhizobia inoculation were prepared at 0 g/kg, 2 g/kg, 4 g/kg, and 6 g/kg. Data were collected on number of leaves, plant height, leaf area and number of nodules at 14, 28 and 42 days after planting (DAP). The data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance at a 5% significance level. The variety TGX 1834-5E recorded the highest number of nodules (12.25), while the variety TGX 1835-10E recorded the highest number of leaves (3.33, 7.92, and 10.92 at 14,28 and 42 DAP), plant height (5.80 cm, 11.71 cm, and 14.48 cm at 14,28 and 42 DAP), and leaf area (12.30 mm, 18.14 mm, and 30.40 mm at 14,28 and 42 DAP). A higher inoculation level of rhizobia (6 g/kg) was found to increase most of the growth parameters assessed, particularly the number of nodules. Inoculation with rhizobia is effective in improving the growth and nodulation of Soybean varieties.