Response of field beans (Vicia fabaL cv. Maris Bead) to time of sowing, plant population, nitrogen, and irrigation

Abstract

Four populations of field beans (Vicia faba L.), ranging from 45 to 140 plants/m² were established in late April and mid May, and at populations from 22 to 126 plants/m2 in mid August and late September. A seed yield of 516 g/m² was obtained from high poulations in autumn and was independent of time of sowing in that season. However, a seed yield of only 300 g/m² was obtained from early spring sowing. Delaying spring sowing by a further six weeks reduced seed yield to 147 g/m². Irrigation increased seed yield of both spring and autumn sowings but did not completely compensate for the yield reduction which was caused by spring sowing. Foliar application of 10 kg/ha of nitrogen (N) applied to plants before flowering had no effect on yield or nitrogen concentration of seeds.