2025 POLISH JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 2025 34(卷), 6(期), (null页)
Biodiesel is a new and alternative source of energy. Globally, biodiesel is being produced from different crops; however, biodiesel production from soybeans is rarely studied. Soybean is processed for the oil and animal feed industries due to its high protein content. The optimization of the requirement must be re-evaluated for the sound production technology of the crop to get maximum oil yield for biofuel. Therefore, a field study was conducted to investigate the effect of different rates of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) on the growth, yield, and biodiesel production of soybeans. The treatments consist of three N rates, i.e., 0, 50, and 100 kg ha-1 N, and four S supply rates, i.e., 0, 30, 60, and 90 kg ha-1 S. Maximum grain yield (879.77 kg ha-1) was achieved with application of 50 kg ha-1 of N and with 60 kg ha-1 of sulfur while the minimum grain yield (556.95 kg ha-1) was noted in control (0 kg N and S). Moreover, maximum oil yield (177.04 kg ha-1) was also obtained with 50 kg ha-1 nitrogen and 60 kg ha-1 of sulfur which was 102.53% higher as compared to control. Additionally, soybean biodiesel yield was obtained in a range of 63% to 75% with a 3:1 methanol-to-oil ratio. In conclusion, the combined application of both 50 kg ha-1 N and 60 kg ha-1 S could be an effective fertilizer management strategy to ensure better growth, oil, and biodiesel production from soybeans under semi-arid conditions.