Response of yield and quality of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] varieties to blended NPSZnB fertilizer rates in Northwestern Ethiopia

The national productivity of soybean is lower than that of worlds(’) productivity due to lack of appropriate agronomic practices. A field experiment was carried out in 2020/2021 cropping season at Guangua district, Northwestern Ethiopia to determine the effect of blended NPSZnB (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Zinc and Boron) fertilizer rates on seed yield and quality of soybean varieties. Five levels of blended NPSZnB fertilizer (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha(−1)) and three soybean varieties (Pawe-01, Pawe-02 and Pawe-03) were arranged in factorial and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on soybean agronomic attributes and soybean seed quality were collected and analyzed using SAS software. Results revealed most growth, yield, yield components and quality traits of soybean were significantly affected by varieties, blended fertilizer rates and by their interaction. Planting variety Pawe-03 with the application of 100 kg ha(−1) NPSZnB gave the highest grain yield (2.88 t ha(−1)) and protein content (41.50%). Maximum oil content (24.50%) was recorded when variety Pawe-01 was planted with the application of 100 kg ha(−1) NPSZnB. Planting Variety Pawe-03 with application of 100 kg ha(−1) NPSZnB gave the highest net benefit (74953.56 birr ha(−1)). In conclusion, planting Pawe-03 soybean variety with the application of 100 kg ha(−1) NPSZnB gave significantly highest seed yield, protein content and profitability and recommended for soybean production in Northwestern agro-ecologies of Ethiopia. It is suggested that this experiment should be repeated in various agro ecologies with various soybean varieties.