Depth and Sowing Rate as Factors Affecting the Development, Plant Density, Height and Yielding for Two Faba Bean (Vicia faba L. Var. Minor) Cultivars

Abstract

Sowing depth and density are factors which affect development and yielding due to their influence on plants’ competition for water, light and nutrients. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the effect of sowing depth (5 and 8 cm) and density (45, 60, 75 seeds m2) on the development and yield of two morphotypes of faba bean. Higher plants were found at 8 cm sowing depth in 2011 and 2013, in turn, plant density before harvest, at 5 cm in 2011 and 8 cm in 2013. The greatest seed yield was observed while sowing shallower in 2011 (4.50 t ha−1) and 2012 (6.62 t ha−1), and deeper in 2013 (3.53 t ha−1). Cultivar played in important role in shaping plant height and seed yield in all years of the experiment, as well as in straw yield in 2012. Bobas characterized by the greatest seed productivity in all years of experiment compared to Granit, as well as quantity of straw yield in 2011 and 2012 (3.51 and 4.88 t ha−1, respectively) and therefore can be recommended for cultivation. Taking into account plant density before harvest in 2011–2013 as well as straw yield in 2011 and 2013, the most favorable sowing density is 75 seeds per m2.