Agronomic performance and sanitary quality of soybean seeds in response to potassium fertilization

Abstract

Potassium is the second most exported nutrient for soybean. Thus, their availability in the soil can influence both crop yield, the quality and chemical composition of soybean seeds. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of potassium fertilization on agronomic traits, oil content and sanitary quality of soybean seeds. The trials took place in the agricultural year 2012/13 in two separate locations in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The experimental design consisted of a randomized block design, with three replications, and treatments arranged in a factorial scheme 4 x 6, with four cultivars (TMG 127 RR, TMG 1179 RR, BRSMG 850G_RR, NA7255 RR) and six doses potassium (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 kg ha^-1). They evaluated the yield, plant height, first pod insertion, plants lodging, oil content and seed health. The increase in potassium levels altered the chemical composition of seeds and increased significantly oil content; however, there was no effect on the agronomic characteristics and grain yield. The contents of the seed pathogens increase as it decreases the potassium supply to the plants.