Response of Different Fertilizer Levels on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Varieties at Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Arsi Zone, Oromia regional stat during the main cropping season (June- December) 2017/18, with the objective of evaluating the response of different fertilizer level on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) varieties by identifying the most cost effective variety and fertilizer level. Three fertilizer levels (RNP, 150% RNP and RNPS) and three faba bean varieties (Degaga, Gora and Moti) were tested in a randomized complete block design with three replicated. The mean value of fertilizer levels showed that significant difference (P<0.05) was observed on plant height, number pods per plant and biomass yield, while number of seeds per pod, biomass yield and harvest index was not significantly affected (p>0.05) by fertilizer level. The use of 150% RNP fertilizer level resulted relatively higher plant height (154.1 cm), number of pods per plant (23.2) and biomass yield (14718 kg ha-1). Higher number of seeds per plant (3.07), harvest index (52.55) and plant height (151.7cm) was recorded for Degaga variety. There was interaction (p<0.01) between fertilizer level and faba bean varieties on grain yield with a production of 4230 kg ha-1 under 150% RNP fertilizer levels and Degaga variety. The most benefits and cost effective outcome for farmers also obtained from this combination. There for a combination of 150% RNP fertilizer level with Degaga variety can be recommended at first option, while RNP and RNPS fertilizer level at a second and third option respectively for the production of faba bean in the study area and similar agro ecologies.