Effect of Nutrient Levels and Plant Growth Regulators on Harvest Index and Economics of Soybean (Glycine max)

A field experiment was conducted to study the influence nutrient levels and plant growth regulators on harvest index and economics of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] during kharif 2017. The experiment was laid out using randomized complete block design (factorial concept) with 14 treatments including control and replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of two nutrient levels 125 % RDF and 100 % RDF, six plant growth regulator (PGR) dosages: salicylic acid @ 50 and 100 ppm, ethrel @ 100 and 200 ppm, chlormequat chloride (CCC) @ 250 and 500 ppm; independent control: RPP, without PGR spray and RPP + KNO3 @ 1 %. PGRs were sprayed at 25 and 40 DAS. Results shows that application of 125 % RDF + chlormequat chloride @ 500 ppm at 25 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) as foliar spray. The results revealed that application of 125 % RDF + chlormequat chloride @ 500 ppm was optimum to get higher yield (26.31 q ha-1), harvest index (46.6 %) and net return ( 64,714 ha-1) with B:C (3.15), followed by 125 % RDF + ethrel @ 200 ppm (23.70 q ha-1, 46.03 %, 56,146 and 2.92, respectively).