Impact of Irrigation Frequency and Planting Density on Bean’s Morpho-Physiological and Productive Traits

Abstract

The correct irrigation frequency relies on the plant population density to increase yield and efficiency in water use. A field experiment was carried out in 2019 to study the effect of three irrigation frequencies, one (F1), four (F2), and eight (F3) days, and four planting densities, 20 (D1), 24 (D2), 28 (D3), and 30 (D4) plants per m2, on the variables: soil moisture, actual water consumption, growth, grain yield, and water productivity of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The soil water balance was calculated based on the soil moisture, which was measured by tensiometers. The irrigation was done by a drip tape. The variation in soil moisture was greatly influenced by irrigation frequencies and planting densities in F3. Plant growth was not affected by treatments. Irrigation frequencies and planting densities have deeply affected the biometric and chlorophyll synthesis traits of beans. The highest yields were found in the treatments F1D3 (2968 kg ha−1), F1D4 (2997 kg ha−1), and F3D3 (2946 kg ha−1). For water productivity, treatments with F1 irrigation frequency and the higher planting densities were more efficient in water use. Overall, the results are useful for technicians and farmers who work with irrigation management on beans.