Cultivar Differences in N Redistribution in Soybeans1

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Abstract
The redistribution of N from vegetative plant parts to the developing seed in soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] may influence the duration of seed filling and yield. The objective of this study was to investigate the N redistribution characteristics of soybean cultivars of varying maturities and growth habit. Eight cultivars ranging from Maturity Group II to V and including indeterminate, determinate, and semi‐dwarf growth habits were grown in the field in 1977 and 1978 at Lexington, Ky. using conventional cultural practices. The soil type was a Lanton silt loam (Cumulic Haplaquolls) in 1977 and an Eagam silt loam (Cumulic Hapludolls) in 1978. Nitrogen redistribution was estimated by harvesting plants at beginning seed growth (R5) and at maturity. The abscised leaf blades and petioles were also collected and the dry weight and total N was measured in all plant parts. The vegetative dry weight at RS increased in cultivars of later maturity. There were no consistent culvar differences in N concentration at R5. The proportion of seed N that came from redistribution varied from 30 to essentially 100% and there were significant cultivar differences. The cultivar differences were positively correlated with the amount of N in the plant at R5 which was determined primarily by the vegetative dry weight at R5. Late maturing cultivars got more of their seed N from redistribution than early maturing cultivars. Although there were significant cultivar differences in yield and the duration of seed fill, they were not related to the amount of seed N that came from redistribution. Nitrogen redistribution does not appear to be an important factor determining the duration of seed filling or yield in soybeans.