Optimum inter and intra row spacing for faba bean production under Fluvisols

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Haramaya university research site to determine optimum inter and intra row spacing for faba bean production under Fluvisol.  Three inter row spacing (30, 40 and 50 cm) and three intra row spacing (8,10 and 12 cm) were arranged in 3 x 3 factorial combination in  Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed that inter and intra row spacing had a significant effect on growth, yield and yield components of faba bean, except 100 seed weight. However, interaction effect of inter and intra row spacing was not significant.  An increase in inter and intra row spacing significantly increased seed germination percentage, the number of branches per plant, pod length, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and seed yield per plant. However, an increase in inter and intra row spacing reduced plant height, lodging, seed yield (kg ha-1) and dry matter yield (kg/ha). The highest seed yield of faba bean was obtained in 40 cm inter and 10 cm intra row spacing.  Therefore, 40 cm inter and 10 cm intra row spacing is recommend for obtaining high yield of faba bean under Fluvisols.