Wheat response to N2 fixed by faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as affected by sulfur fertilization and rhizobial inoculation in semi‐arid Northern Ethiopia

Nitrogen fixation in faba bean (Vicia faba cv. Mesay) as affected by sulfur (S) fertilization (30 kg S ha^–1) and inoculation under the semi‐arid conditions of Ethiopia was studied using the ¹⁵N‐isotope dilution method. The effect of faba bean–fixed nitrogen (N) on yield of the subsequent wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.) was also assessed. Sulfur fertilization and inoculation significantly (p < 0.05) affected nodulation at late flowering stage for both 2004 and 2005 cropping seasons. The nodule number and nodule fresh weighs were increased by 53% and 95%, relative to the control. Similarly, both treatments (S fertilization and inoculants) significantly improved biomass and grain yield of faba bean on average by 2.2 and 1.2 Mg ha^–1. This corresponds to 37% and 50% increases, respectively, relative to the control. Total N and S uptake of grains was significantly higher by 59.6 and 3.3 kg ha^–1, which are 76% and 66% increases, respectively. Sulfur and inoculation enhanced the percentage of N derived from the atmosphere in the whole plant of faba bean from 51% to 73%. This corresponds to N₂ fixation varying from 49 to 147 kg N ha^–1. The percentage of N derived from fertilizer (%Ndff) and soil (%Ndfs) of faba bean varied from 4.3% to 2.8 %, and from 45.1% to 24.0%, corresponding to the average values of 5.1 and 47.9 kg N ha^–1. Similarly, the %Ndff and %Ndfs of the reference crop, barley, varied from 8.5 % to 10.8% and from 91.5% to 89.2%, with average N yields of 9.2 and 84.3 kg N ha^–1. Soil N balance after faba bean ranged from 13 to 52 kg N ha^–1. Beneficial effects of faba bean on yield of a wheat crop grown after faba bean were highly significant, increasing the average grain and N yields of this crop by 1.11 Mg ha^–1 and 30 kg ha^–1, relative to the yield of wheat grown after the reference crop, barley. Thus, it can be concluded that faba bean can be grown as an alternative crop to fallow, benefiting farmers economically and increasing the soil fertility.     

Effect of starter fertilizer in seed-row on emergence,biomass and nutrient uptake by six pulse crops grown under controlled environment conditions

Abstract

Legumes have a unique ability to obtain a significant portion of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) through a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobia spp of bacteria but it takes time, thus, an early supply of N to the plant may positively influence growth and development. However, too much fertilizer in close proximity to the seed can damage the seedling. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the maximum safe rates for starter seed-row fertilizer application under low seedbed utilization conditions (15%). Emergence, biomass yield and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) uptake responses to starter fertilizer products and blends applied at 0, 10, 20 and 30?kg?N?ha^?1 in the seed-row were investigated for six different pulse crops: soybean, pea, faba bean, black bean, lentil and chickpea. The general sensitivity (injury potential) for starter N, P, S fertilizer was lentil?≥?pea?≥?chickpea?>?soybean?≥?black bean?>?faba bean. Lentil, pea and chickpea could generally only tolerate the 10?kg?N?ha^?1 rates while soybean and black bean could tolerate 10–20?kg?N?ha^?1. Faba bean emergence appeared relatively unaffected by all three rates of N and showed least sensitivity to seed row placed fertilizer. In terms of 30-day biomass response, soybean and black bean were most responsive to fertilization, while pea, faba bean, lentil and chickpea were least responsive to the starter fertilizer applications, with no benefit increasing above the 10?kg?N?ha^?1 rate.     

Biological nitrogen fixation in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in the Ethiopian highlands as affected by P fertilization and inoculation

 N₂ fixation by leguminous crops is a relatively low-cost alternative to N fertilizer for small-holder farmers in developing countries. N₂ fixation in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as affected by P fertilization (0 and 20 kg P ha^–1) and inoculation (uninoculated and inoculated) with Rhizobium leguminosarium biovar viciae (strain S-18) was studied using the ¹⁵N isotope dilution method in the southeastern Ethiopian highlands at three sites differing in soil conditions and length of growing period. Nodulation at the late flowering stage was significantly influenced by P and inoculation only at the location exhibiting the lowest soil P and pH levels. The percentage of N derived from the atmosphere ranged from 66 to 74%, 58 to 74% and 62 to 73% with a corresponding total amount of N₂ fixed ranging from 169 to 210 kg N ha^–1, 139 to 184 kg N ha^–1 and 147 to 174 kg N ha^–1 at Bekoji, Kulumsa and Asasa, respectively. The total N₂ fixed was not significantly affected by P fertilizer or inoculation across all locations, and there was no interaction between the factors. However, at all three locations, N₂ fixation was highly positively correlated with the dry matter production and total N yield of faba bean. Soil N balances after faba bean were positive (12–58 kg N ha^–1) relative to the highly negative N balances (–9–44 kg N ha^–1) following wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), highlighting the importance of rotation with faba bean in the cereal-based cropping systems of Ethiopia. Received: 13 January 2000     

Nitrogen yield and nitrogen fixation of winter faba beans

Introducing autumn-sown legumes into Central European farming systems could be beneficial for addressing two challenges for European agriculture, i.e., the substantial deficit of protein sources for livestock and expected changes in agroclimatic conditions. Therefore, a two-year field experiment was conucted under Pannonian climate conditions in eastern Austria to assess nitrogen (N) yield and N fixation of several winter faba bean varieties from different European countries as compared to a spring faba bean. Winter wheat was used as a reference crop for estimating atmospheric N fixation. Winter faba beans were susceptible to frost damage especially in the harder of the two winters. Winter faba bean varieties could not achieve a higher grain yield and a higher grain N yield than the spring faba bean but had a higher grain N concentration (except for one variety). Grain yield and grain N yield of faba beans were severely impaired by drought in one year (with a mean of varieties of 8.3 g N m^?2, winter wheat: 6.4 g N m^?2); in the other year, grain N yield of faba beans considerably surpassed that of winter wheat (with a mean of varieties of 21.5 g N m^?2, winter wheat: 8.8 g N m^?2). After harvest, faba beans left higher nitrate residues in the soil, especially in the subsoil, and higher amounts of N in above-ground residues compared to winter wheat. Faba beans showed high N fixation under optimum conditions (with a mean of varieties of 21.9 g N m^?2) whereas drought considerably impaired N fixation (with a mean of varieties of 6.3 g N m^?2; with no differences between autumn- and spring-sown faba beans). In conclusion, growing winter faba bean varieties in eastern Austria did not result in higher grain yield, grain N yield, and N fixation compared to growing a spring faba bean.     

NITROGEN UPTAKE AND RECOVERY FROM N FERTILIZER AND LEGUME CROPS IN WETLAND RICE MEASURED BY 15N AND NON-ISOTOPE TECHNIQUES

Intensive rice-based cropping systems rely on nitrogenous fertilizer for optimum grain production and legume crops could be used as an alternative nitrogen (N) source for rice. We investigated the fate of N applied to dual cropping wetland rice in the form of legume residue and ¹⁵N labeled fertilizer. In 2001–2002, hairy vetch and broad bean accumulated 131 and 352 kg N ha^?1 of which 41 and 78% was derived from N₂ fixation. In 2002–2003, hairy vetch accumulated 64 kg N ha^?1 and broad bean accumulated 320 kg N ha^?1 of which 21 to 24% was derived from hairy vetch and 31 to 82% N was derived from broad bean by N difference and ¹⁵N-natural abundance method. Our results reveal that hairy vetch and broad bean can supply 50–100% of N required for intensive wetland rice and can be a viable alternative N source to enhance soil fertility.     

Response of Determinate and Indeterminate Common Bean Genotypes to Rhizobium Inoculant in a Short Season Rainfed Production System in the Canadian Prairie

ABSTRACT

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) has been shown to be a poor di-nitrogen (N₂) fixer and nitrogen (N) fertilizers are usually recommended in bean production. Recent research results suggest that the success of the bean/Rhizobium symbiosis may depend, in part, on the specific bean genotype. Twelve dry bean genotypes differing in growth habit, commercial class, and maturity were evaluated for N₂ fixation in field experiments. Response to inoculant application was highly influenced by environmental conditions. Genotypes differed in nodule dry mass, seed yield, seed N yield, and in amount of N₂ fixed. Growth habit alone was not adequate in classifying bean genotypes for N₂ fixation. The actual amount of N₂ fixed was low ranging from 16 kg ha^?1 to 27 kg ha^?1, suggesting that the symbiotic process alone may not provide adequate N for optimum seed yield in dry environments.     

Sesbania rostrata green manure and the nitrogen content of rice crop and soil

The effects of four treatments upon the N content of rice crop and soil in 1m² irrigated microplots were compared: (1) PK fertilization + Sesbania rostrata (inoculated stems) ploughed in as green manure when it was 52 days old. (2) PK fertilization + S. rostrata (non-inoculated stems) ploughed in as green manure. (3) PK fertilization + ammonium sulphate (60kg N ha^?1). (4) PK fertilization alone (control).The application of chemical N fertilizer (treatment 3) increased the grain yield by 169 g m^?2 (1.69t ha^?1). whereas incorporating S. rostrata as green manure resulted in a grain yield increase of 372 g m^?2 (3.72t ha^?1). N₂ fixed by S. rostrata was estimated to be at least 26.7 g m^?2 (267kg N ha^?1), one third being transferred to the crop and two thirds to the soil.     

Forage quality and yield increments of intensive managed grassland in response to combined sulphur-nitrogen fertilization Dedicated to Prof. em.Dr. Alois Kornher on his 75th birthday.

Abstract

A three-year experiment was carried out at three different sites in northern Germany to investigate the effects of combined sulphur (S, up to 50 kg S ha^?1 year^?1) and nitrogen (N, up to 300 kg N ha^?1 year^?1) fertilization on dry matter (DM) yield and forage quality. There was an interaction effect of site, year, S and N fertilization. The greatest DM yield increment relative to yield at the start of the experiment (1997) with no S and N applied was 10.2 t DM ha^?1 at Ostenfeld (arable grassland). Cattle slurry when applied to provide 50 kg N ha^?1 and 10 kg S ha^?1 did not noticeably increase yield. The S content in forage decreased significantly over the years without S fertilization. At 300 kg N ha^?1 and 0 kg S ha^?1, crude protein (CP) contents achieved 173 g kg^?1 DM and were diluted due to higher DM yields with S fertilization. The true protein content (TP% of CP) differed significantly at 300 kg N ha^?1. TP achieved 93% with 50 and 87% with 0 kg S ha^?1 year^?1, respectively. In conclusion, with N fertilizer intensities in the range of 300 kg N ha^?1, it is necessary to apply 25 kg S ha^?1 to improve forage yield and quality. On the other hand, with N fertilization levels below 300 kg N ha^?1, S fertilization could be omitted.     

N<Subscript>2</Subscript> fixation by faba bean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia faba</Emphasis> L.) in a gypsum-amended sodic soil

The response of faba bean to the application of four rates of gypsum (0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 t ha⁻¹) to a non-saline, alkaline sodic soil was measured in terms of grain yield, dry matter (DM) production, N accumulation and the proportional dependence of the legume on symbiotic N₂ fixation (P _atm). A yield-independent, time-integrated ¹⁵N-dilution model was used to estimate symbiotic dependence. A significant decrease in the exchangeable sodium percentage and significant increases in exchangeable Ca⁺⁺ and the Ca⁺⁺:Mg⁺⁺ ratio in the 0–10-cm soil layer were measured 30 months after application of 10 t ha⁻¹ gypsum. Despite low and erratic rainfall during crop growth, faba bean DM and N uptake responded positively to gypsum application. The symbiotic dependence of the legume at physiological maturity was little affected by sodicity (P _atm = 0.74 at zero gypsum and 0.81–0.82 at 2.5–10 t ha⁻¹ gypsum). The increase in fixed N due to gypsum application was mainly due to increases in legume DM and total N uptake. At 10 t ha⁻¹ of gypsum, faba bean fixed more than 200 kg N ha⁻¹ in above-ground biomass.     

Timing and Method of 15Nitrogen-Labeled Fertilizer Application on Grain Protein and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Spring Wheat

ABSTRACT

Grain protein content is one of the most important quality constraints for bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in eastern Canada. A field experiment was conducted for two years (1999 and 2000) on the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Canada, to study whether split application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer improved grain protein content and nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE). Two cultivars (‘Celtic,’ as N-responsive and ‘Grandin’, as N-non-responsive) were grown using three different N doses and application methods: (1) 100 kg N ha^?1 as NH₄NO₃, soil-applied at seeding with ¹⁵N₂-labeled NH₄NO₃ to microplots, (2) 60 kg N ha^?1 soil-applied at seeding plus 40 kg N ha^?1 foliar-applied at the boot stage with ¹⁵N₂-labeled urea to microplots, and (3) 90 kg N ha^?1 as soil-applied at seeding plus 10 kg N ha^?1 foliar-applied at the boot stage with ¹⁵N₂-labeled urea to microplots. Plants were sampled at heading and maturity. While dry-matter production and grain yields were not affected by the treatments in either year, N application methods influenced tissue N concentration and NUE. In 1999, extended drought stress led to significant yield reduction; in 2000, foliar application of 10 kg N ha^?1 at the boot stage significantly increased grain N concentration when grain protein was under the limit for bread quality, suggesting that later-applied N can contribute to grain protein content. At maturity, the average NUE was 22.3% in 1999 and 34.5% in 2000, but was always greater when all N was applied at seeding (42.5%) than when N was foliar-applied at the boot stage (18.5% to 24.5%). We conclude that application of a small amount of fertilizer N at the boot stage can improve the bread-making quality of spring wheat by increasing grain protein concentration.     

Genotypic Differences in Dry Bean Yield and Yield Components as Influenced by Nitrogen Fertilization and Rhizobia

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important legume worldwide and nitrogen (N) is most yield limiting nutrients. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to evaluate response of 15 dry bean genotypes to nitrogen and rhizobial inoculation. The N and rhizobia treatments were (i) control (0 kg N ha^?1), (ii) seed inoculation with rhizobia strains, (iii) seed inoculation with rhizobia strains + 50 kg N ha^?1, and (iv) 120 kg N ha^?1. Straw yield, grain yield, and yield components were significantly influenced by N and rhizobial treatments. Grain yield, straw yield, number of pods m^?2, and grain harvest index were significantly influenced by year, nitrogen + rhizobium, and genotype treatments. Year × Nitrogen + rhizobium × genotype interactions were also significant for these traits. Hence, these traits varied among genotypes with the variation in year and nitrogen + rhizobium treatments. Inoculation with rhizobium alone did not produce maximum yield and fertilizer N is required in combination with inoculation. Based on grain yield efficiency index, genotypes were classified as efficient, moderately efficient, and inefficient in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). NUE defined as grain produced per unit N applied decreased with increasing N rate. Overall, NUE was 23.17 kg grain yield kg^?1 N applied at 50 kg N ha^?1 and 13.33 kg grain per kg N applied at 120 kg N ha^?1.     

Impact of variety and farming practices on growth,yield, weed flora and symbiotic nitrogen fixation in faba bean cultivated for fresh seed production

The main objective of this study was to investigate the performance of faba bean landraces originating from different regions of Greece under both organic and conventional farming systems focusing mainly on yield, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), and competitiveness to weeds. Faba bean exhibited a high ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, as indicated by the percentage of N₂ derived from the atmosphere which exceeded 75% in all evaluated varieties, and the total amount of biologically fixed N up to full anthesis, which fluctuated from 118.5 to 193.9?kg?ha^?1 in the various cropping systems and cultivars. The weed density was appreciably higher in the organic plots, without significant differences among the faba bean cultivars, while wild mustard and corn poppy were the most competitive weeds. The application of inorganic starter fertiliser in the conventionally-treated plots had no negative effect on biologically-fixed nitrogen by faba bean plants, while the herbicide pendimethalin had no negative impact on the nodulation process. Protein concentrations in faba bean cultivars fluctuated from 27.3% to 31.4%. The evaluated landraces could be utilised in breeding programmes due to their earliness, and their high performance in terms of protein content, BNF ability, and productivity.     

Balanced fertilization and bioregulators: enhancing productivity and profitability of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons between 2004 and 2006 to assess the role of balanced fertilization and bioregulators (foliar-applied brassinosteroid 0.5 mg I^?1, thiourea 1000 mg I^?1 and kinetin 10 mg I^?1) in enhancing the productivity of wheat. Conjoint application of NPKSZn (120 kg N, 40 kg P₂O₅, 30 kg K₂O, 40 kg S, 5.5 kg Zn ha^?1) recorded maximum improvements in yield attributes and significantly out-yielded all the fertilization treatments with 14.90, 4.97 and 6.39% increments in grain yield compared with NPK, NPKS and NPKZn treatments, respectively. Nutrient (N, P, K, S, Zn) content and uptake were also improved significantly with balanced fertilization. Among the bioregulators, application of 0.50 mg I^?1 brassinosteroid recorded maximum increments in grain yield (14.10%), followed by 10 mg I^?1 kinetin (12.31%) and 1000 mg I^?1 thiourea (9.92%), over control (4.99 t ha^?1). Bioregulators significantly enhanced the uptake of nutrients (N, P, K, S, Zn) over control. NPKSZn treatment also gave the maximum net return (Rs. 51,209 ha^?1). Among the bioregulators, brassinosteroid provided the maximum net return (Rs. 47,292 ha^?1) and benefit:cost (B:C) ratio (3.37) followed by thiourea (Rs. 45,500 ha^?1 and 3.35). Kinetin also provided yield advantage, however, it gave a significantly reduced B:C ratio compared with control.     

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil and Plant Nutrients and Yields of Pearl Millet and Wheat under Semi-arid Inceptisols in India

A study was conducted to assess fertilizer effect on pearl millet–wheat yield and plant-soil nutrients with the following treatments: T₁, control; T₂, 100% nitrogen (N); T₃, 100% nitrogen and phosphorus (NP); T₄, 100% nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK); T₅, 100% NPK + zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) at 25 kg ha^?1; T₆, 100% NPK + farmyard manure (FYM) at 10 t ha^?1; T₇, 100% NPK+ verimcompost (VC) at 2.5 tha^?1; T₈, 100% NPK + sulfur (S) at 25 kg ha^?1; T₉, FYM at 10 t ha^?1; T₁₀, VC at 2.5 t ha^?1; T₁₁, 100% NPK + FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 25 kg S ha^?1 + ZnSO₄ at 25 kg ha^?1; and T₁₂, 150% NPK treatments. Treatments differed significantly in influencing soil-plant nutrients and grain and straw yields of both crops. Grain yield had significant correlation with soil-plant N, P, K, S, and zinc (Zn) nutrients. The study indicated superiority of T₁₁ for attaining maximum pearl millet grain yield (2885 kg ha^?1) and straw yield (7185 kg ha^?1); amounts of N (48.9 kg ha^?1), P (8.8 kg ha^?1), K (26.3 kg ha^?1), S (20.6 kg ha^?1), and Zn (0.09 kg ha^?1) taken up; and amounts of soil N (187.7 kg ha^?1), P (13.7 kg ha^?1), K (242.5 kg ha^?1), S (10.1 kg ha^?1), and Zn (0.70 kg ha^?1). It was superior for wheat with grain yield (5215 kg ha^?1) and straw yield (7220 kg ha^?1); amounts of N (120.7 kg ha^?1), P (13.8 kg ha^?1), K (30 kg ha^?1), S (14.6 kg ha^?1), and Zn (0.18 kg ha^?1) taken up; and maintaining soil N (185.7 kg ha^?1), P (14.5 kg ha^?1), K (250.5 kg ha^?1), S (10.6 kg ha^?1), and Zn (0.73 kg ha^?1). Based on the study, 100% NPK + FYM at 10 tha^?1 + Zn at 25 kg ha^?1 + S at 25 kg ha^?1 could be recommended for attaining maximum returns of pearl millet–wheat under semi-arid Inceptisols.     

Nitrogen Application in Irrigated Rice Grown in Mediterranean Conditions: Effects on Grain Yield,Dry Matter Production,Nitrogen Uptake,and Nitrogen Use Efficiency

ABSTRACT

Field experiments were conducted in the major rice growing area of Chile to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization and site on grain yield and some yield components, dry matter production, N uptake, and N use efficiency in rice cultivar ‘Diamante’. Two sites (indicated as sites 1 and 2) and six N rates (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 300 kg N ha^?1) were compared. Nitrogen fertilization increased yield, panicle density, spikelet sterility, dry matter production, and N uptake at maturity. 90% of maximum yield was obtained with 200 kg N ha^?1 in site 1 (12,810 kg ha^?1) and with 100 kg N ha^?1 in site 2 (8,000 kg ha^?1). These differences were explained by lower panicle density, and the resulting lower dry matter production and N uptake in site 2. Nitrogen use efficiency for biomass and grain production, and grain yield per unit of grain N decreased with N fertilization. While, agronomic N use efficiency and N harvest index were not affected. All N use efficiency indices were significantly higher in site 1, except grain yield per unit of grain N. The observed variation in N use efficiency indices between sites would reflect site-specific differences in temperature and solar radiation, which in turn, determined yield potentials of each site. On the basis of these results, cultivar ‘Diamante’ would correspond to a high-N use efficiency genotype for grain yield.     

Nitrogen use in maize-grain legume cropping systems in semi-arid Kenya

Locally suitable cultivars of maize, beans, and cowpeas were grown in field experiments for four seasons in semi-arid Kenya. For three seasons, the dry matter production and grain yield of maize and beans were not increased by N fertilizer additions up to 120 kg N ha^-1. Fertilizer recoveries measured by ¹⁵N isotope dilution techniques were low, less than 20%. Inoculated and uninoculated beans failed to fix N₂. By contrast the cowpea derived 50% of its N from fixation, equivalent to 197 kg N ha^-1. The N content of the grain generally exceeded 40 kg N ha^-1, and the N content of the seeds from the grain legumes were greater than those from the cereals. Large inputs of N fertilizer or N by fixation are required if maize-grain legume cropping system in semiarid Kenya are to be sustained in the long term.     

Impact of nitrogen fertilization and tillage practices on nitrous oxide emission from a summer rice ecosystem

ABSTRACT

Identification of the combination of tillage and N fertilization practices that reduce agricultural Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions while maintaining productivity is strongly required in the Indian subcontinent. This study investigated the effects of tillage in combination with different levels of nitrogen fertilizer on N₂O emissions from a rice paddy for two consecutive seasons (2013–2014 and 2014–2015). The experiment consisted of two tillage practices, i.e., conventional (CT) and reduced tillage (RT), and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer, i.e., 0 kg N ha^–1 (F1), 45 kg N ha^–1 (F2), 60 kg N ha^–1 (F3) and 75 kg N ha^–1 (F4). Both tillage and fertilizer rate significantly affected cumulative N₂O emissions (p < 0.05). Fertilizer at 45 and 60 kg N ha^–1 in RT resulted in higher N₂O emissions over than did the CT. Compared with the recommended level of 60 kg N ha^?1, a 25% reduction in the fertilizer to 45 kg N ha^?1 in both CT and RT increased nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and maintained grain yield, resulting in the lowest yield-scaled N₂O-N emission. The application of 45 kg N ha^?1 reduced the cumulative emission by 6.08% and 6% in CT and RT practices, respectively, without compromising productivity.     

Optimum rate of nitrogen fertilization for drip-irrigated wheat under semi-arid conditions

Limited water availability in arid and semi-arid wheat production systems increases the need of applying efficient drip irrigation systems. However, there is little information available about the optimum level of nitrogen (N) fertilization for drip-irrigated wheat. A two-years field study in the semi-arid region of Upper Egypt was carried out in a randomized complete block design to investigate the response of drip-irrigated wheat to three levels of N fertilization (N₁₂₀ = 120, N₁₈₀ = 180, and N₂₄₀ = 240 kg ha^?1). N₂₄₀ increased the uptake of N, P, and K by 66.3, 48.6, and 43.5%, respectively, as compared to N₁₂₀. The application of N₂₄₀ increased the grain yield by 28.4 and 40.4% and water use efficiency by 27.6 and 41.8% the first and second season, respectively, as compared to N₁₂₀. Based on the obtained results, it is recommended to fertilize drip-irrigated wheat by 240 kg ha^?1.     

Effectiveness of native Rhizobium on nodulation and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in Eastern Ethiopia

This study was initiated to evaluate the effect of locally isolated Rhizobium on nodulation and yield of faba bean at Haramaya, Ethiopia for three consecutive years. Ten treatments comprising of eight effective isolates of rhizobia, uninoculated, and N-fertilized (20 kg N ha^?1) were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The result of the experiment indicated that all inoculation treatments increased nodule number and dry weight over the control check in all cropping seasons. The result, however, showed the non-significant effect of Rhizobium inoculation on shoot length, number of tiller per plant and 100 seed weight in all cropping season. Inoculating Haramaya University Faba Bean Rhizobium (HUFBR)-15 in 2011 and National Soil Faba Bean Rhizobium (NSFBR)-30 in 2012 and 2013 gave the highest grain yields (4330, 5267 and 4608 kg ha^?1), respectively. These records were 75%, 48%, and 5% over the uninoculated treatment of respective years. Over the season, NSCBR-30 inoculation resulted in the highest nodulation and grain yield production as compared to the other treatments. In general, isolates from central Ethiopia were better than those isolated from eastern Ethiopia and Tropical Agricultural Legume (TAL)-1035 in enhancing faba bean production at Haramaya site. Therefore, NSFBR-30 is recommended as a candidate isolate for faba bean biofertilizer production in eastern Ethiopia soils.     

Long-Term Fertilization Effects on Rice Productivity and Nutrient Efficiency in Korean Paddy

ABSTRACT

Long-term fertilization tests evaluated rice (Oryza sativa) productivity in relation to application of nitrogen (N)-phosphorus (P)-potassium (K) (120-34.9-66.7 kg ha^{? 1}, respectively) during 1967–1972 and N-P-K (150-43.7-83.3 kg ha^{? 1}, respectively) during 1973–2000. The comparison treatments (NP, PK, and NK) and the control (not fertilized) were selected for calculating nutrient efficiency. Rice grain yield increased at a 17.78 kg ha^{? 1} yr^{? 1} in the control, mainly due to development of improved cultivars. Phosphorus management was found to be important for indigenous fertility and rice productivity in this paddy soil. Yield increased significantly with P fertilization. Without N fertilization (PK), rice productivity increased 56.85 kg ha^{? 1} yr^{? 1} from 62% of NPK at the initial stage to 74% after passing 34 years, which might be affected by increasing biological N fixation with P accumulation in soil. In NK treatment, rice yield increased at a relatively low rate (37.82 kg hr^{? 1} yr^{? 1}) from the same rice productivity with that of NPK in 1967 to 91% after 34 years. In comparison, yield increased at a high rate (62.82 kg hr^{? 1} yr^{? 1}) without K fertilization (NP) from ca. 90% of NPK and might exceed the yield of NPK after 64 years of long-term fertilization. Therefore, K fertilization level might be readjusted after long-term fertilizing in paddy soil.