DRY BEAN GENOTYPES EVALUATION FOR GROWTH,YIELD COMPONENTS AND PHOSPHORUS USE EFFICIENCY

Dry bean along with rice is a staple food for the population of South America. In this tropical region beans are grown on Oxisols and phosphorus (P) is one of the most yield limiting factors for dry bean production on these soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate P use efficiency in 20 elite dry bean genotypes grown at deficient (25 mg P kg^?1 soil) and sufficient (200 mg P kg^?1) levels of soil P. Grain yields and yield components were significantly increased with P fertilization and, interspecific genotype differences were observed for yield and yield components. The grain yield efficiency index (GYEI) was having highly significant quadratic association with grain yield. Based on GYEI most P use efficient genotypes were CNFP 8000, CNFP 10035, CNFP10104, CNFC 10410, CNFC 9461, CNFC 10467, CNFP 10109 and CNFP 10076 and most inefficient genotypes were CNFC 10438, CNFP 10120, CNFP 10103, and CNFC 10444. Shoot dry weight, number of pods per plant, 100-grain weights and number of seeds per pod was having significant positive association with grain yield. Hence, grain yield of dry bean can be improved with the improvement of these plant traits by adopting appropriate management practices. Soil pH, extractable P and calcium (Ca) saturation were significantly influenced by P treatments. Based on regression equation, optimum pH value in water was 6.6, optimum P in Mehlich 1 extraction solution was 36 mg kg^?1 and optimum Ca saturation value was 37% for dry maximum bean yield.     

Nutrient Uptake in Dry Bean Genotypes

Dry bean is an important legume for human consumption in South America. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate uptake and use efficiency of macro- and micronutrients by six dry bean genotypes at two P levels (25 and 200 mg kg^?1 soil). Shoot dry weight and grain yield varied significantly among genotypes and significantly increased with increasing phosphorus (P) levels. Grain harvest index (GHI) and 100-grain weight also differ significantly among genotypes and significantly increased with the increasing P levels. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified as efficient and inefficient. The most efficient genotype was CNFP 10104, and inefficient genotypes were CNFP 10103 and CNFP 10120. Number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod increased significantly with the addition of 200 mg P kg^?1 of soil compared to the low level of P (25 mg P kg^?1). Similarly, nitrogen (N), P, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) concentrations and uptake in the shoot and grain also significantly varied among genotypes. Uptake of macro- and micronutrients was greater under the greater P rate compared to the low P rate. This may be related to greater shoot or grain yield at 200 mg P kg^?1 soil compared to 25 mg P kg^?1 of soil.     

Differential Soil Acidity Tolerance of Dry Bean Genotypes

Soil acidity is a major yield-limiting factors for bean production in the tropical regions. Using soil acidity–tolerant genotypes is an important strategy in improving bean yields and reducing cost of production. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluating 20 dry bean genotypes for their tolerance to soil acidity constraints. An Inceptisol soil was amended with dolomitic lime (2 g dolomitic lime kg^–1 soil) to achieve low acidity (pH = 5.9) and without lime (zero lime kg^–1 soil,) to achieve high acidity (pH = 4.8) levels to evaluate bean genotypes. At both acidity levels, genotypes differed significantly in shoot dry weight and grain yield. Shoot dry weight and grain yield were significantly decreased at the high acidity level compared to the low acidity level. Grain yield was more sensitive to soil acidity than shoot dry weight. Hence, grain yield was used in determination of tolerance index (GTI) to differentiate the range of soil acidity tolerance among bean genotypes. Based on a GTI value, 55% of the genotypes were classified as tolerant, 40% classified as moderately tolerant, and the remaining were grouped as susceptible to soil acidity. The genotype CNFC 10410 was most tolerant and genotype CNFP 10120 was most susceptible to soil acidity. Number of pods and grain harvest index were significantly and positively associated with grain yield. The improvement in grain yield in low acidity may be related to reduction of toxic levels of soil aluminum (Al³⁺) and hydrogen (H⁺) ions by lime addition. At harvest, soil extractable phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) increased with the reduction of soil acidity, and this might have contributed to the better nutrition of beans and lead to higher growth.     

Dry Bean Genotypes Evaluation for Zinc-Use Efficiency

Dry bean is an important legume for human consumption worldwide. Low soil fertility, including zinc (Zn) deficiency, is one of the main factors limiting yield of this legume in South America, including Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate 30 dry bean genotypes for zinc (Zn)–use efficiency. The Zn rates used were 0 mg Zn kg^?1 (low) and 20 mg Zn kg^?1 (high) of soil. Grain yield, straw yield, number of pods, hundred-seed weight, number of seeds per pod, maximum root length, and rood dry weight were significantly affected by Zn and genotype treatments. The Zn × genotype interactions were also significant for growth, yield, and yield components, indicating that some genotypes were highly responsive to the Zn application while others were not. Based on seed yield efficiency index (SYEI), genotypes were classified as efficient, moderately efficient, and inefficient in Zn-use efficiency. Most efficient genotypes were CNFP 10104, BRS Agreste, BRS 7762 Supreme, CNFC 10429, BRS Estilo, CNFC 10467, BRS Esplendor, and BRS Pitamaba. The most inefficient genotype was BRS Executive. Remaining genotypes were moderately efficient in Zn-use efficiency.     

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY IN UPLAND RICE GENOTYPES

Nitrogen (N) deficiency is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients in upland rice growing regions word wide. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate nineteen upland rice (Oryza sativa. L.) genotypes for N use efficiency. The soil used in the experiment was an Oxisol and two N levels used were without N application (low level) and an application of 400 mg N kg^?1 of soil (high level). Grain yield and yield components and N uptake parameters were significantly affected by N and genotype treatments. Regression analysis showed that plant height, shoot dry weight, number of panicles per pot, number of grains per panicle, grain harvest index, N uptake in shoot and grain were having significant positive relation with grain yield. Nitrogen concentration of 6.4 g kg^?1 in the shoot is established as deficient level and 9.5 g kg^?1 as sufficient level at harvest. Agronomic efficiency of N (grain yield/unit of N applied) and N utilization efficiency (physiological efficiency X apparent recovery efficiency) were significantly different among genotypes. These two N use efficiencies were having significant quadratic relationship with grain yield. Soil pH, exchangeable soil Ca and base saturation were having significantly positive association with grain yield. However, soil extractable phosphorus (P), potassium (K), hydrogen (H⁺), aluminum (Al) and cation exchange capacity were having significantly negative association with grain yield.     

Influence of Nitrogen on Growth,Yield, and Yield Components and Nitrogen Uptake and Use Efficiency in Dry Bean Genotypes

Dry bean is an important legume and nitrogen (N) deficiency is one of the most yield-limiting factors in most of the bean-growing regions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to determine influence of N on growth, yield, and yield components and N uptake and use efficiency of 23 dry bean genotypes. Straw yield, grain yield, yield components, maximum root length, and root dry weight were significantly increased with the addition of N but varied with genotypes. The N × genotype interactions were also significant for most of these traits, indicating variation in responses of genotypes with the variation in N levels. There was significant difference in N uptake and use efficiency among genotypes. Most of growth and yield components were significantly and positively associated with grain yield. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified into efficient, moderately efficient, or inefficient group in N-use efficiency. Nitrogen concentration was greater in grain compared to straw, indicating greater N requirement of dry bean genotypes.     

Growth,Nutrient Uptake,and Use Efficiency in Dry Bean in Tropical Upland Soil

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. ‘BRS Requinte’) is an important legume crop and nutrient availability is one of the most yields limiting factors for bean production in tropical upland soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in Brazilian Oxisol to study growth, nutrient uptake, and use efficiency of macro- and micronutrients during growth cycle of bean plant. Plants were harvested at 15, 30, 45, 60, 73, and 99 days after sowing for determination of growth parameters and uptake of nutrients. Root dry weight, shoot dry weight and leaf trifoliate increased significantly (P< 0.01) in a quadratic fashion with the advancement of plant age. However, root-shoot ratio decreased significantly with increasing plant age. Concentrations of nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) decreased with the advancement of plant age. However, concentrations of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) increased significantly with the advancement of plant age. Accumulation of macro- and micronutrients significantly increased with the increasing plant age. Accumulation of N, P, K and Cu was higher in the grain compared with root and shoot, indicating relatively higher importance of these nutrients in improving grain yield of dry bean. Nitrogen, P and Cu use efficiency was higher for shoot weight compared to grain weight. For grain production, nutrient use efficiency was in the order of Mg > Ca > P > K > N for macronutrients and Cu > Zn = Mn for micronutrients.     

Nitrogen Uptake and Its Association with Grain Yield in Lowland Rice Genotypes

ABSTRACT

Nitrogen is one of the most yield–limiting nutrients in lowland rice in Brazil. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to evaluate nitrogen (N) uptake by five lowland rice genotypes and its association with grain yield. The nitrogen rate used was 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha^?1. The genotypes evaluated were CNAi 8886, CNAi 8569, BRSGO Guará, BRS Jaburu, and BRS Biguá. Grain yield and dry matter yield of shoot were significantly influenced by N rate. However, response varied from genotypes to genotypes. Genotype BRSGO Guará, BRS Bigua, and BRS Jaburu were having linear response, whereas genotypes CNAi 8886 and CNAi 8569 were having quadratic response with the N application rate in the range of 0 to 200 kg ha^?1. Overall, genotypes BRSGO Guará and CNAi 8886 were the best because they produced higher yield at low as well as at higher N rates. Nitrogen uptake in shoot was having quadratic relationship with grain yield, whereas nitrogen uptake in the grain was linearly associated with grain yield.     

Yield Physiology of Dry Bean

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important food legume for the world population. However, its average yield is low worldwide. The main reasons for low yield are biotic and abiotic stresses. Maximum economic yield of a crop can be achieved with appropriate balance between plant and environmental factors during crop growth cycle. Adopting appropriate management practices in favor of high yields can modify some of these factors. Hence, knowledge of yield physiology of dry bean is important for understanding yield formation components during crop growth and development and consequently improving yield. Dry bean growth cycle is divided into vegetative and reproductive growth stages. During vegetative stage, development of roots, trifoliate, node, and branches take place. Main features of reproductive growth stage are flowering, pod and grain formation. Important plant traits associated with yield are root and shoot dry matter yield, pod number, 100 grain weight, leaf area index, grain harvest index, and nitrogen harvest index. These plant traits are genetically controlled and also influenced by soil and plant management practices. Higher yield is possible only when there is an adequate balance among various physiological processes or yield components. The objective of this review is to discuss growth and development of bean plant including yield formation process or traits during crop growth cycle and importance of these yield components in determining yield.     

Response of Upland Rice Genotypes to Nitrogen Fertilization

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients for upland rice production in Brazilian Oxisol soils. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years at the National Rice and Bean Research Centers Experimental Station Capivara with the objective to evaluate 10 promising genotypes of upland rice for N-use efficiency. The N rates used were 0 kg ha^?1 (low) and 100 kg ha^?1 (high). Plant height, shoot dry weight, grain yield, panicle number, and 1000-grain weight were significantly influenced by N and genotype treatments. Nitrogen × genotype interactions were not significant for most of the growth, yield, and yield components, indicating that differences among genotypes were consistent across N rates. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified as N efficient or inefficient. Among 10 genotypes, four genotypes were efficient and six were moderately efficient in N use in the first year. In the second year, three genotypes were efficient and seven were moderately efficient in N use. Genotype BRA 052015 was classified as efficient in N use in both the years. Grain harvest index and GYEI had significant linear relationships with grain yield.     

Lowland Rice Genotypes Evaluation for Nitrogen Use Efficiency

Rice is important crop for world population, including Brazil. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield limiting nutrients in rice production under all agro-ecological conditions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate N responses to 12 lowland rice genotypes. Soil used in the experiment was a Gley humic according to Brazilian soil classification system and Inceptisol according to USA soil taxonomy classification. The N rates used were 0 mg kg^?1 (low) and 300 mg kg^?1 (high) of soil. Plant height, straw yield, grain yield, panicle density, 1000 grain weight, and root dry weight were significantly increased with the addition of N fertilization. These growth, yield, and yield components were also significantly influenced by genotype treatment. Grain yield had significant linear or quadratic association with shoot dry weight, panicle number and 1000 grain weight Based on grain efficiency index genotypes were classified as efficient, moderately efficient and inefficient in N use. The N efficient genotypes were ‘BRS Tropical’, ‘BRS Jaçanã’, ‘BRA 02654’, ‘BRA 051077’, ‘BRA 051083’, ‘BRA 051108’, ‘BRA 051130’ and ‘BRA 051250’. Remaining genotypes fall into moderately efficient group. None of the genotypes were grouped as inefficient in N use efficiency.     

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.     

GENETICALLY MODIFIED AND CONVENTIONAL DRY BEAN GENOTYPE RESPONSES TO SOIL FERTILITY

Dry bean is important pulse for the diet of South American population and results related to comparison of genetically modified and conventional dry bean genotypes to soil fertility are limited. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to compare genetically modified and conventional dry bean genotypes to soil fertility. Genotypes evaluated were Olathe Pinto, Olathe 5.1 (genetically modified), BRS Pontal, BRS Pontal 5.1 (genetically modified), Pérola and Pérola 5.1 (genetically modified). Fertility levels were 1 g fertilizer (5-30-15) kg^?1 soil (low fertility level) and 2 g fertilizer (5-30-15) per kg soil (high fertility level). These fertility levels were designated as low and high, respectively. Grain yield, number of pods per plants, and seed per pod were significantly increased with the increase in soil fertility. Shoot dry weight, seed per pod, and 100 seed weight were also significantly influenced by genotype treatment. Fertility X genotypes interaction was significant for maximum root length and root dry weight, indicating genotypes responded differently at two fertility levels in relations to these two traits. Shoot dry weight, number of pods per plant, and grain harvest index had significant association with grain yield, indicating that increase in these three traits grain yield can be increased. Grain yield efficiency index (GYEI) was having significant linear association with grain yield. Hence, on the basis of GYEI, genotypes were classified as efficient (E), moderately efficient (ME), and inefficient in nutrient use. Three conventional genotypes (Olathe Pinto, BRS Pontal and Pérola) and one genetically modified genotype (Olathe Pinto 5.1) were classified as moderately efficient and two genetically modified genotypes (Pérola 5.1 and BRS Pontal 5.1) were classified as efficient. None of the genotypes fall into the inefficient group.     

Exogenous Spermidine Affected Leaf Characteristics and Growth of Common Bean Under Water Deficit Conditions

In order to investigate the effects of exogenous spermidine on water limitation-induced damage on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes, a field experiment was conducted over two growth seasons. The experiment was arranged as a split-split plot design and three replications. Treatments were three water stress levels (non-stress, moderate and severe stress), three bean genotypes (Akhtar, Pak and COS12) and two spermidine levels (control and foliar application). The results showed that water stress reduced markedly leaf relative water content, SPAD values, specific leaf area, leaf area index, plant height, relative growth rate, shoot dry weight and grain yield; however, increased leaf density, leaf relative electrolyte leakage, stomatal density, leaf angle and leaf temperature of bean genotypes. Spermidine application increased relative water content, SPAD values, leaf area, leaf area index, shoot dry weight and grain yield. Overall, exogenous spermidine usage as a free radical scavenger counteracted deleterious water deficit effects.     

Dry Matter and Yield of Lowland Rice Genotypes as Influence by Nitrogen Fertilization

ABSTRACT

Rice is a staple food for more than 50% of the world's population and nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield limiting nutrients in lowland rice ecosystems. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to evaluate dry matter production and grain yield of 12 lowland rice genotypes (BRS Jaçanã, CNAi 8860, BRS Fronteira, CNAi 8879, CNAi 8880, CNAi 8886, CNAi 8885, CNAi 8569, BRSGO Guará, BRS Alvorada, BRS Jaburu, and BRS Biguá) at five N rates (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha^{? 1}). Genotypes showed significant variation in grain yield and shoot dry weight. Genotype BRSGO Guará was highest yielding, whereas genotype BRS Jaburu was lowest yielding and the remaining genotypes were intermediate in grain yielding potential. Grain yield and shoot dry weight were having significant quadratic increase with increasing N rates in the range of 0 to 200 kg ha^{? 1}. However, 90% of the maximum yield is often considered as an economical rate, which was 120 kg for shoot dry weight and 136 kg N ha^{? 1} for grain yield. Shoot dry matter was having significant positive quadratic association with grain yield across 12 genotypes.     

Screening Upland Rice Genotypes for Manganese‐use Efficiency

Manganese (Mn) deficiency in upland rice grown after common bean or soybean, which received adequate rate of liming on highly weathered Oxisols, is observed. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate Mn‐use efficiency of 10 promising upland rice genotypes. The genotypes were grown on an Oxisol at 0 mg Mn kg^?1 (natural soil Mn level) and 20 mg Mn kg^?1 of soil applied as manganese sulfate. Grain yield, panicle number, and grain harvest index (GHI) were significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by genotype. However, shoot dry weight was significantly affected by Mn as well as genotype treatments. Manganese uptake in the shoot as well as in the grain was also affected by genotype treatment. On the basis of Mn‐use efficiency (mg grain weight/mg Mn accumulated in shoot and grain), genotypes were classified as efficient and responsive (ER), efficient and nonresponsive (ENR), nonefficient and responsive (NER), and nonefficient and nonresponsive (NENR). Genotypes Carisma, CNA8540, and IR42 were classified as ER, and genotypes CNA8557 and Maravilha were classified as ENR. Genotype Caipo was in the group NER, and in the NENR group were genotypes Bonança, Canastra, Caraja, and Guarani. From a practical point of view, genotypes that produce high grain yield at a low level of Mn and respond well to Mn additions are the most desirable because they are able to express their high yield potential in a wide range of Mn availability.     

Lowland Rice Genotypes Evaluation for Potassium-Use Efficiency

Lowland rice significantly contributes to world as well as Brazilian rice production and information on genotypes potassium-use efficiency is limited. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate lowland rice genotypes for potassium (K)–use efficiency. Ten genotypes were evaluated at 0 mg K kg^?1 (low) and 200 mg K kg^?1 (high) of soil. Grain yield and shoot dry weight were significantly affected by K as well as genotype treatments. Genotypes CNAi 8860, CNAi 8859, BRS Fronteira, and BRS Alvorada were the best in relation to K-use efficiency because they produced best grain yield at low as well as at higher K levels. Shoot dry weight, number of panicles per pot, and 1000-grain weight had highly significant (P < 0.01) association with grain yield. Spikelet sterility, however, had significant negative association with grain yield. These plant parameters were mainly influenced by genotypes, indicating importance of selecting appropriate genetic material for improving grain yield. Soil K depletion was significant at harvest, suggesting large amount of K uptake by lowland rice genotypes.     

Growth,yield and yield components of dry bean as influenced by phosphorus in a tropical acid soil

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield limiting factors for dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production in tropical acid soils. Dry beans are invariably grown as mono-crops or as inter-crops under the perennial tropical crops. Information is limited regarding the influence of phosphorus fertilization on dry bean yield and yield components and P use efficiency in tropical acid soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of phosphorus fertilization on dry bean growth, yield and yield components and P uptake parameters. Phosphorus rates used were 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Soil used in the experiment was an acidic Inceptisol. Grain yield, shoot dry weight, number of pods, and 100 grain weight were significantly (P < 0.01) increased with phosphorus fertilization. Maximum grain yield, shoot dry matter, number of pods, and 100 grain weight were obtained with the application of 165, 216, 162, and 160 mg P kg^?1 of soil, respectively, as calculated by regression equations. Grain yield was significantly and positively associated with shoot dry weight, number of pods, P concentration in grain and total uptake of P in shoot and grain. Phosphorus use efficiency defined in several ways, decreased with increasing P rates from 50 to 250 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Maximum grain yield was obtained at 82 mg kg^?1 of Mehlich 1 extractable soil P. Results suggest that dry bean yield in Brazilian Inceptisols could be significantly increased with the use of adequate rates of phosphorus fertilization.     

Nitrogen-Use Efficiency in Lowland Rice Genotypes under Field Conditions

Rice is staple food for more than 50% of the world's population. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients for lowland rice production around the world. Two field experiments were conducted at two locations for two consecutive years to evaluate N-use efficiency of 12 lowland rice genotypes. Growth, grain yield, and yield components were significantly influenced by N as well as genotype treatments. Location?×?year?×?genotype and location?×?year?×?N interactions were significant for most of the growth, yield, and yield components, indicating influence of these factors on yield and yield components. Overall, the most N-efficient genotypes measured in terms of grain yield were BRA 031032, BRA 031044, and BRA 02654 and the most inefficient genotypes were BRS Jaçana, BRS Fronteira, and BRA 02674. Genotypes had linear and quadratic responses to added N in the range of 0 to 200 kg ha^?1. Nitrogen significantly influenced plant height, shoot dry weight, panicle number, and 1000-grain weights. Nitrogen-use efficiency (kg grain per kg N applied) varied from 33 to 49 kg grain per kg N applied, with an average value of 40 kg grain per kg N applied. The genotype BRA 031044 produced the greatest N-use efficiency, and the lowest N-use efficient genotype was BRS Fronteira. There was a significant linear association between N-use efficiency and grain yield.     

Phosphorus Nutrition of Upland Rice,Dry Bean,Soybean, and Corn Grown on an Oxisol

Rice, dry bean, corn, and soybean are important food crops. Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield-limiting factors for these crops grown on highly weathered Brazilian Oxisols. Four greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine P requirements of these four crops. The P levels used were 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg kg^?1. Growth, yield, and yield components evaluated of four crop species were significantly increased with the application of P fertilization. Most of the responses were quadratic in fashion when the P was applied in the range of 0 to 400 mg kg^?1. Maximum grain yield of upland rice was obtained with the application of 238 mg P kg^?1 of soil, maximum dry bean grain yield was obtained with the application of 227 mg P kg^?1 of soil, and maximum grain yield of soybean was obtained with the application of 224 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Maximum shoot growth of corn was obtained with the addition of 323 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Most of the growth and yield components had significant positive association with grain yield or shoot dry weight. Phosphorus concentration and uptake were greater in the grain compared to straw in upland rice and dry bean plants. Overall, P-use efficiencies decreased with increasing P rates.