Canopy, Physiological, and Root Responses of Soybean to Four-Row Ridge Planting at Constant Density in Heilongjiang, China
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Planting configuration can modify soybean canopy structure and yield at a common target population. Four configurations of cultivar Heinong 531 were evaluated at Harbin, Suihua and Wuchang during 2022–2024, with three randomized complete blocks per site-year and a target density of 340,000 plants ha−1. The dataset comprised 108 plot observations for each of 15 traits. Fixed-environment RCBD models included site, year, configuration, their interactions and blocks nested within site-year. Tukey comparisons were conducted separately for each trait and analysis period. Configuration affected pooled grain yield (F3,54 = 3.516, p = 0.021). Mean yields for A, B, C and conventional D were 4020.0, 4007.6, 4042.0 and 3854.9 kg ha−1, respectively. C exceeded D by 187.1 kg ha−1 (4.85%; adjusted p = 0.026); A–D and B–D differences were not significant. In 2022, A and C exceeded D, whereas no annual pairwise yield difference was significant in 2023 or 2024. B and C had higher pooled LAI, canopy transmittance and lower-leaf photosynthesis than D; upper-leaf photosynthesis, ETR and 100-seed weight did not differ significantly. Root traits differed in the order C > A > B > D. Significant interactions for selected physiological traits and evidence of unequal Fv/Fm residual dispersion limit uniform interpretation of pooled patterns. The findings support a configuration effect within the tested environments, with C showing a pooled yield advantage over D; the associated trait responses do not establish causal mediation or performance beyond the sampled conditions.
Source: Life
DOI: 10.3390/life16111884
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7225614260