This experiment was conducted to determine the optimum row width and plant spacing within row under the tropical environment for a leading soybean variety Palmetto and it was carried out at Eakmat Experiment Station in Vietnam. The experiments were arranged in a split plot design with four replications and the test was repeated twice in two years. Variations for seed yield due to the distance between rows were significant at 1 per cent level in 1967 test(dry season growing) and at 5 per cent level in 1968 test. Significant differences for plant height, lodging, maturity, number of branches per plant, and number of pods per plant due to the row width were not found in both tests, while significant differences in difference spacing within row was found in all traits studied. Interaction between width of row and spacing within row for seed yield and plant height were found at five percent level in 1967 test. These results indicate that close planting may increase in seed yield and plant height in both seasons, and decrease in loadging. From these studies, one could be understood that the plant population, particularly in dry season, plays decisive roles on seed yield in soybean culture, and the maximum plant height and minimum value of lodging index were also observed in closest spacing plots. The highest soybean yield in late planting would be expected by a combinations of 30 cm(between rows)~times 5cm(between hills) plot, while 40cm ~times 5cm planting method would be suggested for rainy season growing. Highest seed yield was obtained at closet spacing in both dry and rainy season, and these results led to drilling method in seeding where about 20 seeds per meter of row could be recommended. Besides the seed yield, the close planting may produce some advantages, such as increase plant height and decrease lodging, weeds and erosion of surface soil.

• 權臣漢(방사선농학연구소)