The role of phosphorus fertilization on growth and yield of faba bean on acidic Nitisol of central highland of Ethiopia

Abstract

Poor soil fertility and associated low soil pH versely affect the growth, nodulation and productivity of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) on Nitisols of central Ethiopian highlands. A field experiment was conducted at Holetta Research Centre in 2001 and 2002 cropping seasons to study the effect of phosphorus fertiliser on the yield and yield components of faba bean. Five levels of phosphate fertiliser (0, 13, 26, 39 and 52 kg P ha-1) in the form of triple super-phosphate were laid out in randomised complete block design with four replications. Results indicated a positive linear response of faba bean seed yield to phosphate fertilizer applications. Plant height, number of pods per plant and seeds per pod, nodulation score, total biological and seed yields of faba bean were positively influenced by P applications. The application of P fertilizer at the rates of 13, 26, 39 and 52 kg P ha-1 resulted in a linear response with seed yield increment of 24, 31, 38 and 48 %, respectively over the control. Faba bean seed yield was positively correlated with total biomass, plant height, number of pods per plant and seeds per pod. The results of economic analysis showed that application of 13 kg P ha-1 was found to have the highest marginal rate of return for faba bean production on reddish brown Nitisols of central highlands of Ethiopia.