Yield and yield components of common bean as influenced by wheat residue and nitrogen rates under water deficit conditions

Abstract

Incorporation of crop residues into agricultural system has become a worldwide efficient practice for enhancing crop production. The main objectives of this experiment was to investigate the major role of incorporating wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) residues and nitrogen (N) fertilizers rates under different water requirements (WR) on growth, seed yield and yield components of common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The results showed that seed yield under 80% WR in retained crop residue plots was ∼ 11% higher than WR treatment with no residue incorporation. Seed yield was not significantly different between residue retention and removal treatments in 2016, whereas it was higher (12% and 17%) under residue retained plots compared to removed ones in subsequent years. Seed yields responded to N up to 170 and 225 kg ha −1 in removed and retained residue treatments, respectively in 2017 and 2018. Annual increment of seed yield in residue retained plots (36%) was 2.11 times higher than the residue removed ones (17%). There was higher soil N content in 50% residue retention with 225 kg N ha −1 under both water deficit treatments in all years. The highest soil organic carbon (SOC) was achieved with normal irrigation in retained residue plots with 225 kg N ha −1 in all years. Overall, wheat residue incorporation into the soil and N-supply substantially contributed to counteracting yield declines of common bean under water deficit conditions. • Wheat residue incorporation into soil improved soil characteristics. • Wheat residues incorporation stored higher SOC and N than removed ones. • Application of wheat residue in combination with N fertilization enhancing bean growth. • Wheat residues application with sufficient N rates ameliorating water stress condition.