Assessment of agronomic parameters of some soybean varieties grown on acidic soil, their total nitrogen content during nodulation, and after pod formation

This study, conducted at Nkolbisson in the Centre region of Cameroon, aimed to identify soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] varieties released by the Pan-African Soybean Variety Trials (PAT) in 2016 that are adapted to the acidic soil conditions (pH 4.10). A completely randomized block design with three replications was used for experimentation. Fertilizer was not applied to allow each variety to develop its potential under acidic conditions. Quantitative parameters, including plant height, crown diameter, fresh and dry weights of aboveground parts and roots, and total plant dry matter, were measured. The total nitrogen content of the plant during nodulation and after pod formation, as well as the production yields, was also assessed. Results showed that six varieties had plant heights greater than 67 cm (Pan 237, TGX 2010 3F, Pan 3, Maksoy 2N, Songda, and TGX 2001 12F), with the highest height recorded with TGX 2001 12F (85.66 ± 5.68 cm). The highest fresh weights of the aerial parts, ranging from 13.36 ± 3.97 to 44.26 ± 13.95 g, were observed in 19 soybean varieties. Fifteen soybean varieties showed the highest dry matter (95.04%–95.60%). The soybean varieties with the highest total nitrogen content at nodulation and after pod formation were Sentinel (6.00%) and TGX 2011-3F (4.88%), respectively. Nine varieties achieved yields above 2 t/ha, with TGX 2010 3F scoring the highest yield (2.76 t/ha). This study demonstrated the potential of some varieties of soybeans to thrive in acidic soils, offering a viable alternative for cultivation in areas with edaphic constraints. For that, further studies should be conducted on both the nutritional performance and the symbiotic interactions of these soybean varieties under acidic soil conditions.