Effect of zinc and phosphorus fertilizers application on yield and yield components of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) grown in calcaric cambisol of semi-arid northern Ethiopia

Abstract

A pot experiment under greenhouse conditions to evaluate the effect of P and Zn nutrients on yield and yield components of faba bean (Vicia faba L. CS20DK) was conducted in P and Zn deficient alkaline soil at Mekelle Agricultural Research Center in 2009. A factorial combination of P and Zn fertilization with three levels of P (0, 30, and 60 kgPha-1) and with three levels of Zn (0, 15, and 25 kg Zn ha-1) was laid in randomized complete block design in with three blocks. Triple super phosphate (46% P), urea (46% N), KCl and ZnSO4 7H2O (22.75% Zn) were used as source of fertilizers for the greenhouse experiment. The results showed that P fertilization significantly increased (p<0.05) yield and yield components and attributes in faba bean plant. Similarly, Zn fertilization significantly increased (p<0.05) pods per plant and above ground biomass at maturity stage of faba bean plant, but, it did not significantly affect biomass at 50% flowering, root weight at 50% flowering, grain yield, yield components and attributes. Combined fertilization of P and Zn had significant effect on pods per plant, seeds per pod and plant height at maturity stages, while, it had no significant affect on yield and other yield attributes. Furthermore, there was positive correlation between yield and yield components. This study concludes that grain yield and biomass yield increased with the increase in phosphorus fertilizer. Application of 60 kg P/ha gave statistically higher grain yield than 0 and 30 kg P/ha. Interaction effect of P and Zn shows significant effect on pods per plant, seeds/pod, and plant height at maturity stage. However, there was no significant effect on yield and some yield attributes of faba bean. Key words: Faba bean, zinc, phosphorus, yield, yield component.