Journal of Environmental Biology

Planting geometry to optimize growth and productivity in

faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and soil fertility

A.K. Singh1*, B.P. Bhatt1, P.K. Sundaram1, A.K. Gupta2?and Deepak Singh3

1ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna-800 014, India

2Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Saharanpur- 247 007, India

?3Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sitamarhi- 843 320,? India

*Corresponding Author email : aksingh_14k@yahoo.co.in

Publication Data

Paper received:

26 August 2011

Revised received:

08 February 2012

Accepted:

22 March 2012

Abstract

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) responses to alteration of its ambient environment leads to certain modification in the crop phenology, yield attributes and economic yield. To know the extent and pattern of response by faba bean to alterations, a two year field experimentation was carried out with two crop establishment methods (i) flatbed planting (ii) raised bed planting, four planting geometry (i) 30X20 cm(ii) 30X30 cm (iii) 30X45 cm and (iv) 45X45cm and three seeding depth. All the treatment (two crop establishment methods, four planting geometry and three seeding depth) were combined together consisting twenty four treatments, were organized in factorial experiment in complete randomized block design (CRBD) with three replications. Data were recorded on growth and development; yield attributes and yield.? Soil analysis was done and finally statistical tool were applied to come in to valid conclusion. Raised bed planting proves superior over flatbed in case of seed yield. Square planting architect with 30 cm apart prove better (3690.9 kg ha-1) than other tested planting geometry. Seeding at 10 cm depth showed, significant improvement in seed yield per plant and per ha over other two tested seeding depth. Phosphorus availability was significantly higher in raised bed planting (36.9 kg ha-1). However, available K (kg ha-1) was significantly influenced by planting geometry and seeding depth. It was maximum (155.2 kg ha-1) with 30X 45 cm plant geometry, proved significantly higher than 30X20 cm and 30X30 cm and at par with 45X45 cm planting. ?????

Key words

Vicia faba, Planting geometry, Seeding depth, Crop phenology

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