EFFECT OF POTASSIUM, ZINC AND SULFUR ON GROWTH CHARACTERS, YIELD ATTRIBUTES AND YIELD OF SOYBEAN (GLYCINE-MAX)

The effect of 4 graded levels of potassium (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg/ha), 2 levels of zinc oxide (0 and 20 kg/ha) and 2 levels of sulphur (0 and 30 kg/ha) was studied during rainy seasons of 1989 and 1990 on growth characters, yield attributes and yield of 'Gaurav' soybean [Glycine m ax (L.) Merr.] on a sandy-loam soil. Application of 40 kg K2O/ha signi ficantly increased leaf area/plant only. The application of K positive ly influenced the number of pods/plant and 1,000-seed weight. The seed yield of soybean increased significantly up to 120 kg and 40 kg K2O/h a in 1989 and 1990 respectively. Application of 20 kg zinc oxide/ha an d 30 kg sulphur/ha independently and significantly increased leaf area /plant, dry matter/plant, number of pods/plant, number of seed/pod and 1,000-seed weight and seed yield during both the years. The interacti on effect of added nutrients on growth character, yield attributes and on yield was not found significant in both the years.