Effect of Different Rates of Bacteria (Rhizobium leguminosarum) Inoculated in Seed on Yield and Some Quality Parameters of Common Vetch (Vicia sativa L.)

Abstract

This research was conducted at Akdeniz University, Faculty of Agriculture's research greenhouse in 39 plastic pots. Different bacteria solutions (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 mL bacteria solution per 1 kg seed) were inoculated in the seeds of common vetch plant (Vicia sativa L.) with each replication. In addition, the most convenient bacteria dosage and differences between bacterial and artificial fertilizer applications were determined by applying (13 applications in total) sole fertilizer so that 1 kg of nitrogen (N) falls per decare in 1 pot and by applying control (non-inoculated seeds) for 1 pot. Analyses revealed that bacteria solution applications of 45 mL on plant height; 5 mL on plant nitrogen content; 0, 5, 10, 15 and 25 mL on plant phosphorus content; 25 mL on plant potassium content; 0, 5, 35, 40 and 45 mL on fresh weight; 55 mL on root weight; 30 mL on number of bacteria in soil; 30 mL on dry matter percentage and 5 mL on crude protein percentage have taken the first place. Fertilizer application did not sustain in any first place for any of the features, which indicate that bacteria applications can give better results.