Dynamics of Faba Bean Growth and Nutrient Uptake and their Correlation with Grain Yield

Abstract

Growth parameters and nutrient uptake of faba bean with 12 different genotypes were studied at the end of four subsequent growth periods, viz. first vegetative (V1), second vegetative (V2), first reproductive (R1) and second reproductive (R2) periods for two years and correlated with final grain yield. All parameters including plant height, leaf number, leaf area index (LAI), above ground plant dry matter (DM) and root DM, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) uptake and concentration of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg showed different patterns with advancement of the growth period. All the mentioned parameters were fitted in either quadratic or linear equations. Significant correlations were found among nutrients, growth parameters and grain yield during different growth stages. On the basis of these experiments it was clear that nutrient uptake was directly related to biomass. In V2 and R1 biomass production was greatest resulting in high nutrient uptake. Among the growth parameters, biomass and LAI showed the highest significant correlation with grain yield. The findings especially models derived from two year data across twelve genotypes can be used for better fertilizer management of faba bean.