University of Juba

College of Natural Resources &

Environmental Studies
Department of agriculture sciences

Evaluating effects of soybeans (Glycine max

L. Merrill) varieties on yields in tropical areas
under the same planting patterns

A thesis by: Moses Gum Degur (M.Sc. in

Agronomy)

A proposal Submitted for partial fulfillment of

the requirements for Masters Science Degree
in Agriculture (Agronomy) at Juba University
South Sudan
20 th Jun.
2016

1. INTRODUCTTION
Soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is a small erect and branching annual
legume plant classified under family Fabacae and sub family Paplionodeae
(Sinclair et al., 2001).
Today debated issue in South Sudan economy is solely on crude oil as the
only means of income. But its indigenous production of most crops like
soybeans is almost nil below the consumption levels with a very wide gap
between production and consumption, the demand is covered almost totally
from import.
Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is presently the worlds most important
edible grain legume in terms of total production and international trade
(Weiss, 2000).
The most critical world challenge of todays agriculture for an ever-increasing
human population is sustainable food production (FAO, 1999).
The world demand for soybean is driven by its highly valued protein and oil
for use in food, feed, and industrial applications (Schwender et al., 2003).
Soybean is one of the most important oilseed crops in the world. It contains
18 - 22% oil and 40 - 42% protein (Mounts et al., 1987).
Soybean is more closely allied than any other food crops to industrial
development. Moreover, the crop suits very well to commercial and mixed
farming systems of the tropics Shibles et al. (1978). Soybean was originally
domesticated in China around 1700-1100 B.C (FAO, 1992). It is now
cultivated throughout East and South East Asia where people depend on for
food, animal feed and medicine. In Ethiopia, soybean was introduced in
1990,s because of its nutritional value, multipurpose use and wider
adaptability in different cropping system and diverse ecological niches
(Amare, 1987; Daniel, 1996). Based on adaptation trials done in different

parts of the country, it was proved that soybean grows very well from 300 to
2200 m a.s.l where annual temperature ranges between 20-25 0C and pH
varies from 5.5 to 7 (ARC, 2004).
Therefore, the study to be conducted is:
1. To determine the appropriate variety (ies) and planting pattern(s) of
soybean; and
2. To assess the effects of soybean varieties on growth and yields
development.
1.2 Problem statement
The thesis is to discuss a scenario for the South Sudan agriculture policy to
look for models with more market and motivation (and less rules and
regulations).
This scenario should be developed based on the comparison of the
framework conditions for agriculture and the sustainability level of farms in
South Sudan.
There should be tool to be developed by the South Sudanese researchers to
analyze sustainability at farm level and to evaluate a farm consultancy
process focused on fostering the fundamentally motivated implementation of
sustainable practice.
Maximum crop yields can only be attained through strict following of all
farming activities right from clearing of the garden for cultivation through to
harvesting of the crops from the garden. Farmers that might have little
educational background have to learn from the researchers and trained rural
people to enhance agricultural sustainability.
The idea is to carryout serious study on what can result to high yields of
Soybeans in South Sudan.

1.3 Objectives of the research

General Objective: Enhance Agriculture Production to Improve Food
Security, Create Jobs and Reduce Poverty in South Sudan.
Specific objectives are;
1. The Research Strategys ambition is to evaluate the effect of different
varieties of soybean crop on growth and yields as a result of widening
production.
2. To empower smallholder farmers in South Sudan to successfully
manage their crops and farms in a more profitable and environmentally
friendly manner, and moving from subsistence to more market
connected, poverty abandoning approaches.
3. To know what significance effect a soya bean does in producing viable
products.
4. To create a sense of awareness for the local farmers towards
sustainable agriculture production as well as re-organizing and
strengthening the existing farmers in the villages to ensure
productivity.
1.4 Significance of the study
By evaluating the effect of different varieties on yields of soya bean crop will
bring about interest from farmers toward production through developing it
from consumption to cash crop in South Sudan.
The aim is to boost production of soybeans regionally and internationally to
minimize poverty at the level of the country.
The main important of this research is for farmers to understand ways on
how to improve soybean productivity into a profitable and marketable
product in the country.

This is to enhance soybean production in order to improve food security,

create jobs and reduce poverty in South Sudan as well as modifying farming
system in the country by doing the following activities.
i.

Rapidly

Develop

scientific

ways

of

farming

by

introducing

contemporary methods of farming.

ii.

Farmers to adapt the use of new technology and follow proper

application system of farming to improve food security.

iii.

Farmers to get training on how to demonstrate the right methods of

planting improved varieties.

1.5 The Research Strategy has two distinct target groups;

1. The first target group includes those farmers who have very poor
production of soybean in South Sudan.
2. The second target group comprises smallholders in more favorable
production areas with some potential to grow but lack sufficient skills in
production, therefore will be shown technical ways of doing it.
1.6 Nature and Limitations of the Study
The proposed study will follow a qualitative research approach, involving
consultations with various experts in University of Juba and Catholic

Universities of South Sudan respectively as the primary method. It will

involve preliminary descriptive procedures from qualified researchers.
It will be limited to meet these experts because of the time constraints as
this may involved inquiries as means of conducting research.
The issue of funds for buying farming equipments might not be possible in
the mean time.

2. 0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Importance of soybean
Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] has a high yield potential under good
conditions and performs better in different cropping systems (ARC, 2004).
It is one of the important sources of oil and protein in the world and it is
commonly used in both human and animal diets (Onwueme and Sinha, 1991;
Ariyo, 1995).
Soybean is not a native crop in South Sudan; it is however, gaining
popularity in the country because of its numerous potentials that rank it even
better than other crops in the supply of high quality protein.

Soybeans were first grown in South Sudan in 2011 by Non-Governmental

Organizations only for tests purposes and not on research purposes.
Throughout the 1970s, Ethiopia produced 6,000 tons of soybeans a year,
making it one of the top four African soybean producing countries. In 1981
about 2,000 ha of land were under production by the state farms
development authority; however, this accounted only for 10% of the
soybeans required by the Ethiopian Nutrition Institute (ENI).
According to Agricultural survey of CSA (2011), there are about 14198.20 ha
of land that produced 283459.26 tons of soybean. Indigenous food
processing industries using locally produced soybeans are highly expected to
satisfy the vast growing interest of soybean based food stuffs.
In Ethiopia, particularly in the capital city, Addis Ababa, Faffa Food Share
Company, East African Flour Factory, and Health Care Food manufacturing
private limited company are using local and imported soybeans enormously
in the preparation of enriched food products for children and adults (WHO,
2003). This indicates that the local demand is increasing steadily.
There is an increasing demand for vegetable oil soybean varieties that have
low levels of linolenic acid from the food industry because of its excellent
frying and flavor capabilities (Anon., 2007). Smith (1982) indicated that
soybean crop is capable of supplying nitrogen for its growth and intercropped
cereals through symbiotic nitrogen fixation which can amount up to 200 kg N
ha-1year-1, and hence reducing the need for expensive and environment
polluting inorganic nitrogen fertilizer.
2.2. Cropping System
Cropping system is the principles and practices of cropping and their
interaction with farm resources, technology, aerial and edaphic environment
to suit the regional or global; needs and production strategy (Pal et al.,

1985). In general, in designing alternative cropping system, the common

approaches to be followed are: crop intensification, crop diversification and
cultivar options. However, the three approaches become inseparable and
considered as a building block of a new system (Yadav et al., 1998).
2.3. Planting pattern
Productivity of cropping system may be maximized by efficient use of
edaphic and environmental factors by adopting proper crop husbandry such
as optimum mixture-ratios of component crops, planting arrangement,
fertilizer use and planting schedule (Trenbath, 1986; Pal et al., 1988; Willey
1991; Pal et al., 1993; Pal and Shehu, 2001). It was indicated that agronomic
performances of soybean varieties differ greatly in response to seeding rate
and planting pattern (Nangju, 1979; Muleba and Tom, 1983). For crops
regularly arranged in rows, spatial arrangement concisely defined by
rectangularity, which is the ratio of the inter row spacing to the intra -row
spacing (Holliday, 1963). Yields could be improved if optimum cropping
patterns, crop growth resource requirements and adapted varieties are
known. However, the depression in the yield of cereal/legume mixtures has
been attributed to shading by cereal of the legume (Chui and Shibles, 1983;
Killi, 2004).

2.4. Planting density

The spatial distribution of plants in a crop community is an important
determinant of yield (Egli, 1988) and many experiments have been
conducted to determine the spacing between rows and between plants
within the row that maximizes yield. Two general concepts are frequently

used to explain the relationship between row spacing, plant density, and
yield. First, maximum yield could be obtained only if the plant community
produced enough leaf area to provide maximum light interception during
reproductive growth (Shibles and Weber, 1966; Tanner and Hume, 1978;
Johnson et al., 1982). Secondly, equidistant spacing between plants affected
interplant competition (Pendleton and Hartwing, 1973). Hence, it will be
imperative to adjust the spatial distribution of the recommended population
in order to have maximum yield. The interspecies competition between the
cane and the intercrops for nutrients and water can be minimized if
adequate irrigation is provided to both the crops. This can also prevent the
risk of reduced cane yield.
Planting date, location, weed control practices, production potential and
environment determine the productive rows width in soybean (Herbek and
Bitazer, 2004). Sole plant spacing for early and late maturing variety of
soybean is 40 cm 5 cm and 60 cm 5 cm, respectively (IAR, 1983).
Population density of a crop has considerable effect on growth, development
and yield of a crop (Blim, 1990; Gobeze, 1990). The amount and the extent
of its impact on the productivity of soybean is influenced by rainfall,
temperature, seed size, fertility, planting date, planting pattern, time of
harvest and quality of seed (Minar, 1982; Singh et al., 1987; Venkateswarlu,
1992; Johnson,1999; Anjum et al., 2007).
Norman et al. (1984) described that the two most important cultural
practices, the choice of appropriate variety and optimum spacing between
rows and variations either in row widths or within row spacings, have
affected plant yield and other characters to varying degrees (Johnson and
Harris, 1967).
According to Costa et al. (1980) soybean plant produce similar yield across a
wide range of seeding rate. They concluded that soybean plant tolerate
some variation in spacing with in rows, mainly due to the presence of

auxiliary buds that act as recovery sites for damaged plants and help in
filling for missing stand. However, recent reports contradict such findings
that second narrow rows due to the fact that excessive seeding rates result
in reduced yield due to self thinning, competition, stress and lodging to yield
reduction(Peters, 2001; Haterbek and Bitazer, 2004).
Shibles et al. (1978) reported also that all nodes of soybean plant have a
potential both for branching and floral development, but the number of
branches may vary from 0-6 depending on the population density. Hence it
may be concluded that soybean tolerates considerable variation in plant
population and row width without significant change in seed yield, but there
is a tendency for higher yields with narrow rows.

2.5. Soil conservation and soil fertility management

Sole cropping systems of legumes crops, appears to be nutrients recycler to
soil because of its better soil cover. In addition of canopy growth, recycle
available nutrients and holds water due its nearness of leaves to the ground
other (Siddoway and Bamet, 1983; Francis, 1986; Willem, 1990).
Besides the improvement of soil fertility, legumes increase protection of the
ground against sunlight and impact of high-intensity raindrops, so that
erosion is impeded (SPORE, 1988; Humphrey, 1994). Legumes ameliorate
soil fertility through the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen.

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Study area:

The experimental trial that evaluates the effect of different varieties of soya
bean on growths and yield production will be conducted in the main Juba
University Campus.
This experimental trial will be conducted under rain fed conditions hence
(irrigation can be applied during dry periods).
Records will be strictly followed to get accurate data for analysis for this will
be use by future researchers for academic purposes countrywide.
3.2 Duration of the Study: the study will take a period of four to six
months right away from the date of planting to the harvesting time.
3.3

Study Design:

The trial will be laid down in a Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD).
This will follow two treatment systems with an area of (2 x 3) m per plot and
the space to be provided is to 45 cm between rows and 25 cm between
plants respectively.
A minimum of two seeds will be per a hole and later thin to one after
emergence reaching knee height.
The soybeans varieties to be use will be selected based on their agroecological adaptation, desirable agronomic characteristics, economic return
and industrial use.
3.4 Data collection and measurements
All the required data for both treatments will be collected according to the
procedure described below:
Soybeans Days to 50% emergence, plant height, number of leaves, Days to
flower initiation, Days to physiological maturity, number of pods per plant,
hundred grain weights and grain yield per hectare.

All these data will be collected from the early days of the trial until harvest
and storage.
3.5 Statistical Analysis:
ANOVA statistical analysis will be use as means of analyzing the data to be
collected. Treatment means will separated by Least Significance Difference
(LSD) at 5% probability level.

4. CONCLUSION
The expansion of soybeans on the African continent and in particular South
Sudan will be the first milestone to farmers to ensure sustainable
development in the region.
Researchers are easily to developed ways on how to increase production to
produce enough food surpluses to eliminate hunger.
The local population has to accept the new technology and therefore, the
system could rapidly replace traditional way of cultivation. Its also worth
mentioning that it will be become important foodstuffs for consumption and
had to be transported to feed labor and populations which are not selfsufficient.

Work Plan
Proposal budget

BUDGET

Amount

Other revenue

total

requested
Budget item
Photocopying and

(cash)
3000

3000

2500

2500

printing
Transport

Food

2000

2000

Allowance for supervisor 10000

10000

Seeds and tools

2000

2000

Graduation

10000

10000

29, 500 SSP

Grand total

29, 500 SSP

5. REFERENCES
1) Amare Belay, 1987. Research programs of IAR (Institute of Agricultural research).Addis
Abbeba, Ethiopia
2) ARC (Awassa Research Center), 2004.Improved soya bean varieties and cultural practices.
Production manual,ARC and EARO (Ethiopia Agricultural Research Organization), Awassa,
Ethiopia.
3) FAO, (Food and Agriculture Organization), 1992. Agricultural services bulletin, Number 97.
Rome. pp. 19-25. FAO, 1994.Tropical soybean: Improvement and production.
4) FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization), 1999. Fertilizer strategies. Food and agricultural
organizations of the United Nations. International Fertilizer Industry Association. Rome 98 PP.
5) FAO.,2004.http://www.fao.org/documents/show_cdr.asp?
url_file=/docrep/007/j3877e/j3877e12.htm FAO, 2012. Food and Agriculture Organization,
Faostat. Accessed on April 05, 2012. Available on-line at <http://faostat.fao.org/>.
6) Schwender., J, J.B.Ohlrogge andY.Shachar-Hill, 2003 .A flux model of glycolysis and the
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Second edition.
7) Shibles,R.,I.C.Anderson and A.H.Gibso;1978.Soybean ,pp.151-190.in:Evans,L.T(ed),Crop
Physiology :Some case Histories .Cambridge Univereity Press ,UK. Shukla .
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sustained under soil conditions .Agronomy Journal, 21:653-657.
9) SPORE, Bulletin of the CTA, 1988. No.15. More rice. Techniques for the future.
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cropping. In: papendic, R.I. (wd.). Multiple cropping. American Society of Agronomy, Crop
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Winconsis. 301 375.
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Netherlands pp. 337-343.

12) Pal., M, K.A. Singh and I.P.S Ahlawat, 1985. Cropping systems research: Indices and
assessments. Pp.23-45.
13) Minar, H.C., 1982. Plant spacing in soybean production .pp 83-88,in:
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USA.
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major crops .Statistical Bulletin 505. Addis Abeba ,Ethiopia .
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