Wasseraufnahme und Wasserverbrauch von Ackerbohne und Hafer auf einer Löß-Parabraunerde

Water uptake and water use of field beans and oats grown on a loess-derived grey-brown podzolic soil (Eutroboralf) The terms of the water-balance equation were determined, when field beans (Vicia faba L.) and oats (Avena sativa L.) were grown on a loess-derived soil during two seasons (1982 and 1983). A specific objective of this investigation was to quantify the water uptake from different layers and the total transpiration of both crops, as field beans are known to be susceptible to water shortage. Beside soil physical measurements climatological data for calculation of potential evapotranspiration were recorded. Plants were analyzed due to leaf area and root length density once a week. Actual evapotranspiration including interception, as determined by the soil physical approach, was split up by calculation procedures into actual evaporation, interception and actual transpiration. Total root length and root length density of field beans were much smaller and the rooting system was shallower as compared with oats. Development of leaf area and of roots was slower with beans than oats and was retarted by 2 to 3 weeks. Accordingly the time of maximum transpiration was found begin of June with oats and at begin of July with field beans. Despite reduced root growth Vicia faba transpired 250 mm in total, that is 86 % of what was found for the cereal crop (290 mm). Water uptake field beans however, was restricted to the upper 80-cm profile with 90 % of total uptake. The water uptake per unit length of root was substantial higher with beans than with oats. Due to the delayed development of the bean crop the losses by evaporation and seepage exceeded those from the soil grown to oats by 40mm (64 %). These investigations support the conclusion that yield stability of field beans may be substantially improved by selection of new varieties with increased rooting depth.