Effect of seed priming on soybean yield and yield components in different tillage systems

To study the effects of tillage systems and seed priming on yield and yield components of three soybean cultivars, a field experiment as split factorial structure based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out at Research Field of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran in 2014. The main plots were two tillage systems level (conventional and No-till) and factorial combinations of seed priming at two levels (priming with 0.4 of Potassium nitrate and No-priming) and three soybean genotypes (Williams, L17 and Nekador) were assigned in sub-plots. Results showed that tillage system × priming interaction was significant (p ≤0.01) seedling establishment. The highest value of plant density (25.3 plants per meter square) was related to non-priming in conservation tillage system. Also, seed priming reduce grain yield in both conventional and conservation tillage systems. Results showed that grain yield significantly decreased by seed priming (3.09 and 1.39 kg ha-1 in non-prime and primed seeds, respectively). In the most traits, except number of grain per pod, plant height and harvest index, Williams cultivar was better than L17 and Nekador cultivars. Since grain filling period of Nekador cultivar was occured at cold tempratures, this cultivar couldn’t produce its potential yield. The highst value of grain yield (3559 kg.ha-1) was related to Williams cultivar in conventional tillage system. Also, in conservation tillage system, the highst value of grain yield was attained in L17 cultivars that don’t showed significant difference with other cultivars. In conservation tillage systems, yield losses by soil compaction can be compensated by higher seeding density