Optimising Soybean Productivity Through Inoculation and Nitrogen Management in Northern Temperate Regions

Afolami, Ayodeji, Cannon, Nicola and O'Connor, David (2026) Optimising Soybean Productivity Through Inoculation and Nitrogen Management in Northern Temperate Regions. Legume Science, 8 (2). e70134. ISSN 2639-6181

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Abstract

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production in the United Kingdom remains limited due to low and inconsistent domestic yields, resulting in a strong reliance on imports exceeding three million tonnes annually. However, recent shifts in climatic conditions, including warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, are creating opportunities for the successful cultivation of soybeans within the United Kingdom, potentially reducing dependence on external supply. Field experiments were conducted in The Steading Field, Royal Agricultural University, UK, during 2022 and 2023 to assess the performance of soybean (cv. Maya crop) in response to inoculation (LegumeFix 750 g per 200 kg seed) and nitrogen fertilisation at 60 kg ha−1. A randomised complete block design with three replicates was conducted in both growing seasons. Results indicated that nitrogen fertilisation alone significantly increased plant height, dry matter accumulation, seeds per pod, 1000- seed weight, oil content and overall seed yield compared with inoculation. These findings suggest that nitrogen application met the crops' nitrogen requirements in early growth stages prior to full development of root nodules. In contrast, inoculation alone increased soybean nodule forma tion compared to nitrogen fertilisation, indicating that excess nitrogen fertiliser can suppress biological activity. The combined application of inoculant and nitrogen fertiliser significantly increased yield and yield components relative to either treatment applied individually. Although both nitrogen fertiliser alone and the combination treatment produced highest yields and revenue, economic analysis revealed that inoculant alone delivered the highest return on investment. These findings underscore the agronomic value of integrated treatments in supporting early soybean growth, development and yield production under northern temperate conditions. However, the synergetic benefits of inoculation and nitrogen fertilisation did not translate into superior economic performance due to the high cost of nitrogen inputs.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Bradyrhizobium inoculation | economic return | Glycine max | nitrogen fertilisation | nodulation
Divisions:	Agriculture, Science and Practice
Depositing User:	Professor Nicola Cannon
Date Deposited:	30 Apr 2026 16:22
Last Modified:	30 Apr 2026 16:22
URI:	https://rau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17094

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