Influence of sowing dates on the cultivation of soybeans (Glyxine max merril) inkabinda region, in the democratic republic of Congo

Climate is the primary determinant of agricultural productivity and has a significant influence on food production and the economy of a developing country. The main factor limiting soybean cultivation in tropical countries is water. Two main agronomic innovations can increase soybean yield potential and/or reduce water requirements: selecting drought tolerant genotypes and offsetting sowing dates. The objective of this article is to assess the effects of sowing dates on soybean growth and production with a view to increasing its yield in Kabinda. The test was installed using a 3-repetition splot split device. The main plots consisted of planting dates (September 15, September 21, and September 28) at   40 cm x 40 compacting. The results of this study showed that late planting of a fortnight had an effect on soybean growth and yield. However, soybean yield increases significantly for a September 15 planting under Kabinda agro ecological conditions. In view of these results, an early sowing in the first half of September is recommended so that the soybean crop benefits from a maximum rainfall allowing to obtain an optimal production.