Microbial Fertilizer Seed Coating Effect on Different Soybean (Glycine Max L.) Varieties Growth Yield and Quality in Altınekin (Konya) Ecological Conditions

Abstract

It has been observed in many studies that microbial fertilizers increase the efficiency of plant quality and productivity. The use of microbial fertilizers as seed biofilm coating agents is a new process. Since soybean is a very sensitive crop, it needs special conditions in order to achieve a viable productivity in its cultivation. In this study, seed biofilm coating applications were carried out on two different local soybean cultivars called Ilksoy and Ceysoy of the effect of PGPR-based microbial consortium (Bacillus subtillis, Bacillus megaterium and Lactococcus spp.). Nitrogen $(N_2)$ stabilizer and phosphate $(PO_4)$ solubilizing microorganisms were used. Seed coating systems are often used for the protection of seeds, but the use of feeding has not become widespread. Good nutrition is essential for the future growth period and quality of the crop, from seed planting to the seedling development period. In areas where conventional farming is practiced, fertilization is often not given sufficient attention due to the tedious application and cost. Therefore, seed coating may be an alternative solution to reduce fertilization application times, quantities and costs. Based on this perception, the study was conducted in Altınekin, Konya, which is known as a semi-arid and mostly traditional agricultural region. An alternative product potential for agriculture in semi-arid regions, microbial fertilizer seed coatings and native soybean varieties (Ilksoy and Ceysoy) were investigated in Altınekin (Konya). Some growth, yield and quality contents of soybean were determined by this study. The fieldwork was carried out in the Altınekin, Konya region according to the random block field experiment design. The productivity and physical properties of soybean were tested and the oil content of soybean seeds was analyzed by Near Infrared Spectrometry (NIRS). According to the results obtained, the effect of seed coating application on yield increase was statistically significant at the p<0.01 level. In addition, statistically significant effects of cultivar and bacterial application interaction on yield increase were found.