Effect of Sowing Date and Seed Rate on Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.,) Growth, Yield and Components of Yield at Sinana, Highland Conditions of Bale, Southeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

The experiment was conducted during 2011-2013 Bona/Meher cropping seasons for three consecutive years to study the direct influence of sowing date, seed rate and their interactions on faba bean. The experiment was laid out in split-plot with randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. Four seed rates (175, 200, 225 and 250 kg/ha) were used as main plot and four sowing dates, which begun on the onset of the rain shower and with two week sowing date intervals to the rest three sowing dates were used as a subplot. The results of the three years data revealed that sowing date significantly affected all the tested parameters except 1000 seed weight. Seed yield was declined by 5, 23.3 and 67% from first to the fourth sowing dates respectively. On the other hand, seed rate had no significant effect on all parameters except for plant height. The interaction effect between sowing date and seed rate showed all the tested parameters were significantly affected. The data indicated that the highest plant height, number of pods plant, number of seeds pod, seed yield hectare and 1000 seed weight were obtained at 250 kg/ha with third sowing, 200 kg/ha with first to third sowing, 250 kg/ha with second sowing, 250 kg/ha with first sowing and 175 kg/ha with third sowing date while the minimum value was obtained at fourth sowing date with consecutive seed rates. However, the partial budget analysis showed 175 kg/ha seed rates with early planting gave the highest marginal rate of return (MRR) and it was economical to produce faba bean in highlands of Bale. But, another seed rate experiment will be needed in the future with seed rates of less than 175 kg/ha for conclusive recommendations.