Abstract:
Response of faba bean ( Vicia faba L.) and field pea (Pisum sativum L.) to phosphate fertilizer
on dila and dimile soils (Nitosols), respectively, was determined for three consecutive years
(1999-2001) in Wolmera area. The experiment was carried out as on-farm soil fertility
management with the participation of fanners. In 1999 three fertiliser rates (0/0, 9/23 and
18/46 kg N/PiO? ha'1) in the fonn of diammonium phosphate (DAP) were studied. In the
following years, one additional level (27/69 kg N/P 2O 5 ha"1) was added. The experiment was
laid out in RCBD with twro replications per site on five fanners' fields on a plot size of 10
x 10 m using cultivars CS 20DK for faba bean and Tegegnech for field pea. In faba bean,
application of N/P 20 5 fertiliser resulted in grain yield advantages of 24, 67 and 80% over the
control for the respective application of 9/23, 18/46 and 27/69 kg N/P:Os ha'1. Similarly, the
same fertiliser rates on field pea resulted in grain yield advantages of 55. 103 and 152% over
the control. In addition, total biomass, plant height and number of pods per plant were
positively influenced. The seed yields of faba bean and field pea were significantly correlated
with plant height and number of pods per plant. The partial budget analysis also revealed that
application of 18/46 and- 27/69 kg N/P 2O 5 ha'1 on faba and field pea. respectively, gave the
highest net benefit. The marginal rate of return (MRR) was well above the minimum
acceptable rate of return (MARR). Therefore, 18/46 kg N/P 2O 5 ha'1 for faba bean on "dila"
soils and 27/69 kg N/P 2O 5 ha'1 for field pea on 'dimile"soils could be recommended both
from agronomic and economic points of view.
