Symbiotic effectiveness of Bradyrhizobium strains on soybean growth and productivity in Northern Mozambique

Inoculation of soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] with rhizobia strains is a low-cost investment which can increase yields smallholder farmers in Mozambique. The performance four Bradyrhizobium was evaluated to identify the best strain inoculate grown different agro-ecologies. Field experiments were conducted three ecological zones 2018 and 2019 using variety Zamboane inoculated diazoefficiens USDA 110, B. japonicum 136, 442 WB74, non-inoculated control randomized complete block design replications. Indigenous populations at sites ranged from 9.0 x 10 1 2.2 3 cells g −1 soil. All increased nodulation, but 110 superior two low native population, whereas WB74 site relatively high population. On an average, doubled number nodules dry weight up 5.8-fold. shoot N content podding, plant biomass, pods across effects on seeds per pod, 100-seed inconsistent. Shoot did not differ among inoculant 15.70 kg 38.53 inoculation. grain yield outperformed other also one 2019. Grain responses associated 552 ha (56%) 1,255 (76%). Positive correlations between nodule seed yield, observed. gross margin $343.50–$606.80 for control, it $688.34–$789.36 when inoculants applied. inoculation by $182.57-$395.35 over that drought stress reduced benefit. results demonstrate has potential increasing productivity net returns.