Response of promiscuously nodulating soybean to N and P fertilization andBradyrhizobium inoculation in a ferruginous tropical soil (Haplustalf)

Field trials were conducted at Samaru, Nigeria over a three-year period (1986–88) to study the effects of N and P fertilization on the response of promiscuously nodulating soybean toBradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation in a ferruginous tropical soil. Phosphorus fertilization enhanced nodulation, while N fertilization had no consistent effect on nodulation. Both N and P increased dry matter production. Seed yields were not influenced by the application of N. However, P increased seed yields in two out of three years. Response of seed yield to P fertilization was significant up to 26.4 kg P ha^–1.Bradyrhizobium inoculation consistently enhanced nodulation while it increased seed yield in only one out of three years. Results demonstrate that P is an important nutrient for soybean production in ferruginous tropical soils. The roles of promiscuously nodulating soybean in the maintenance of tropical soil fertility are discussed.