Optimizing Soybean Productivity: A Comparative Analysis of Tillage and Sowing Methods and Their Effects on Yield and Quality

Abstract

This study underscores the critical role of tillage methods in optimizing soybean yield and quality. Plowed tillage + strip-drill sowing (PSD) offers a balance between crop productivity and quality by maintaining soil structure while enhancing nutrient availability. Reduced tillage methods such as zero tillage + strip-drill (ZSD) and no-plowed tillage + strip-drill (NSD) can improve leaf greenness by about 10–15% and pod numbers by 6.7% and 3.5%, respectively. However, such methods may reduce seed quality and germination capacity, impacting the overall yield. In contrast, plowed tillage + conventional row sowing (PCR) promotes balanced nutrient composition and carbohydrate production under optimal soil conditions. Tillage practices significantly influence nutrient components such as ash content, which ranges from 55.8 g kg−1,(PCR) to 57.4 g kg−1 (ZSD). ZSD was found to enhance protein levels by 3% at the expense of carbohydrates, likely due to improved nutrient retention. The present analysis highlights ZSD as an effective method for stabilizing protein yield (mean value 843.8 kg ha−1) and fat yield (mean value 449.3 kg ha−1) across variable environments, supporting the use of ZSD in conservation agriculture. Future studies should explore how tillage practices affect soil health, economic sustainability, and yield stability over time, especially under changing climatic conditions. Optimizing plant density, enhancing seed traits, and improving germination can collectively drive significant improvements in soybean productivity across diverse agro-ecological zones.