Variability in soil properties influencing pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajana L.) yield: a multivariate statistical analysis [version 2; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]

Aims: The aim of the study was to reveal the variability in soil properties influencing pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajana L.) seed yield under semi-arid rainfed condition. Methods: Soils were initially classified into series level and further these series were divided into soil-phase units. For two site years viz., 2018-19 and 2019-20, surface soil samples from each soil-phase unit were collected before sowing of pigeonpea and subsequently crop growth parameters at critical stages were recorded. Results: The principal component analysis with varimax rotation resulted in seven components for both the site years, having eigenvalues greater than one, explained more than 80% of the variability. The step wise linear regression analysis showed that the pigeonpea seed yield was linearly correlated with PC3 ( p