Nodulation and nitrogen accumulation in field beans (Vicia Faba L.)

Abstract

SUMMARYThe effects of plant population density, defoliation and removal of pods and apical buds on dry matter, nodulation and nitrogen accumulation in field bean (Viciafaba L.) were investigated in the field in 1973 and 1974.In 1973 seed yield, dry matter and nitrogen accumulation were similar at 50 and 150 plants/m2 while in 1974 40 plants/m2 was significantly different from 80, 120 and 160 plants/m2 which were similar in these attributes. At similar densities, these crops generally had similar leaf areas and nodule weights/m2 during the early pod-filling period while at earlier growth stages leaf area and nodule development were greater at the higher plant population densities. Leaf area and nodule weight per plant were positively correlated as were absolute growth rate per plant and nitrogen assimilation rate per unit weight of nodule.Substantial leaf removal reduced weight but not the nitrogen assimilation rate of nodules determined from plant nitrogen content. Leaf removal did not significantly reduce dry matter but reduced nitrogen yield by reducing seed yield provided that the removed leaves were accounted for.Pod removal reduced dry-matter and nitrogen yield as well as nitrogen assimilation rate of nodules. Pod removal, however, substantially increased number and weight of nodules. Most of these late-formed nodules were located on the older parts of the lateral roots. Removal of the shoot apex had minor effects on nitrogen yield but reduced nodulation towards the completion of pod-filling.