Equidistância de plantas na linha de semeadura sobre a produtividade de grãos em lavouras comerciais de soja

Abstract

Several factors can influence the productive performance of a soybean crop, with planting distribution quality being one of the most critical. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of plant spacing uniformity within the row, a reflection of soybean planting quality, on grain yield in commercial fields in southwestern Paraná, Brazil. Data were collected from forty-four commercial soybean crops in twelve municipalities in the southwestern region of Paraná during the 2019/20 growing season. Pre-harvest evaluations were conducted to assess plant distribution quality along the planting row. The data collected were entered into the GPD Academy® application to calculate the percentage of acceptable spacing, gaps, doubles/multiples, the coefficient of variation, and plant stand density. Mechanical harvesting of each field was monitored to determine actual grain yield per hectare. Seven classes of acceptable spacing intervals, ranging from 35% to 70% and stratified in 5% increments, were established. The data were subjected to unbalanced ANOVA, followed by the Scott-Knott test at a 5% probability level, and Pearson correlation analysis was also performed. A higher proportion of equidistant plants in the sowing row is a key factor for higher-yielding soybean crops. This is a management strategy that requires more attention from farmers in Southwest Paraná.