Vol. 9, Issue 12, Part F (2025)

A field experiment was showed during the 2024 Kharif season at research farm to assess the effect of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on yield traits and output of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill). The experiment was directed in a randomized block design with seven treatments containing of different quantities of chemical fertilizers (75% and 100% RDF) with biofertilizers (Bio-NPK, Bio-Zn) and Rhizobium japonicum. The soybean crop JS 335 was established under rainfed conditions, with meteorological observations ensuring timely onset of the monsoon and even rainfall distribution of 304.3 mm, which was received in June. Integrated nutrient management contributed substantially to the yield traits than the control. Maximum pods per plant (64.3), seeds per pod (2.2), 100-seed weight (13.8 g), and seed yield (2,335 kg ha⁻¹) were noted at 100% RDF. But 75% RDF + Bio-NPK (2,295 kg ha⁻¹) and 75% RDF + Bio-NPK + Bio-Zn (2,310 kg ha⁻¹) yield was statistically equal to full RDF. Quality characteristics were also enhanced, with oil content (19.5%) and protein content (42.3%) demonstrating significant improvement under integrated treatments. Harvest index was enhanced from 28.1% in control to 34.5% with T₆ (75% RDF + Bio-NPK + Bio-Zn). Post-harvest soil analysis specified higher residual nitrogen (233 kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus (12.5 kg ha⁻¹), and zinc (0.48 ppm) with combined treatments than with RDF alone. These results found that soybean yield potential, seed quality, and soil fertility can be sustained with 25% reduced chemical fertilizer inputs in blend with Bio-NPK and Bio-Zn. Hence, integrated nutrient management delivers a real alternative for enhancing yield, oil quality, and long-term soil sustainability in central India.