Effect of Rhizobium inoculation on the growth and yield of soybean varieties.

[Objective]The effect of Rhizobium inoculation on the growth of soybean has been studied in order to provide foundation for popularization of Rhizobium inoculation technology for soybean production system.[Method]Four major soybean varieties,viz.,Guichun 8,Guixia 3,Huachun 6 and Huaxia 3 were planted after inoculation with Rhizobium in Yizhou and Du'an areas of Guangxi.The quantity of Rhizobium and plant fresh weight were investigated at the seedling,branching,flowering,filling and maturity stages in five randomly plants and the yield was recorded at harvest.[Result]Rhizobium inoculation increased soybean yield in the range of 1.06-8.74%.This increase was higher in Guichun 8 in comparison to Huachun 6 in Yizhou and Du'an sites.After inoculation of Rhizobium,both the quantity of Rhizobium and fresh weight of above ground parts increased in different soybean varieties planted in different planting areas.[Conclusion]The results revealed feasibility of Rhizobium inoculation technique for yield increase in soybean,however,selection of suitable Rhizobium species and its compatibility with soybean varieties need to be taken into account,depending on the local entironmental conditions.