Effect of Row Spacing and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Related Traits of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) at Fedis, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Determination of appropriate row spacing and phosphorus rate of mung bean can increase its productivity. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at Fedis Agricultural Research Center during main growing season to evaluate the effect of phosphorus rate and row spacing on yield and yield related traits of mung bean. Factorial combinations of four phosphorus rate (0, 23, 46, 69 kg P2O5 ha-1) and three row spacing (20, 30, and 40 cm) laid out in RCBD with three replications. A total of 12 treatments and Borda variety was used for the experiment. The results revealed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences for plant height, total and effective number of nodule plant-1, pod plant-1, thousand grain weight, dry biomass yield and grain yield due to phosphorus application. Branch per plant, pod per plant, pod length and dry biomass yield were significantly (P<0.05) affected due to row spacing. The highest Thousand Grain Weight (30.18 g) was obtained from the application of 46 kg P2O5 ha-1 while the lowest (28.27 g) was obtained from 0 kg P2O5 ha-1. The highest grain yield (961.6 kg ha-1) was achieved from 46 kg P2O5 ha-1 while the lowest (766.7 kg ha-1) was from 0 P2O5. In conclusion, the application of 46 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 30 cm row spacing recorded highest grain yield with highest economic returns (14123.78 ETB ha-1). Based on grain yield and economic return, combination of 46 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 30 cm row spacing was recommended for the study area and similar agro-ecology.