Quality, yield and nitrogen fixation of faba bean seeds as affected by sulphur fertilization

Abstract

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important source of plant protein for humans and animals; however, nutritional value of seeds is notoriously deficient in sulphur (S)-containing amino acids. In this article, the effect of S fertilization on faba bean's capability of N2 fixation, grain yield and chemical characteristics in terms of protein fractions, fatty acids and minerals composition is reported. A randomized, complete block design with three replicates was used, and three S applications (0, 30 and 60 kg ha−1, respectively) for faba bean were performed. The S fertilization was split into two applications: 50% before sowing and 50% in the beginning of March as K2SO4. At the same time, both the legume and oat crops were fertilized uniformly with 10 kg N ha−1 as 15N NH415NO3 (10% 15N atomic excess) in solution form. In a Mediterranean climate under optimal spring rainfall situations, faba bean produced high yield of grain and protein. Sulphur application resulted in an increase in overall plant yield and N2 fixation. In addition, S fertilization enhanced the protein quality, increasing its degradable fraction. Fertilizing faba bean with 30 kg ha−1 of S resulted in a more appropriate dose in order to obtain a quantitative and qualitative crop improvement. From our findings, it can be concluded that S fertilization to faba bean should be recommended to soils with suboptimal S levels to obtain maximum seed and protein yields. Quality, yield and nitrogen fixation of faba bean seeds as affected by sulphur fertilization (PDF Download Available). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232282045_Quality_yield_and_nitrogen_fixation_of_faba_bean_seeds_as_affected_by_sulphur_fertilization [accessed Jan 21, 2016]

Cropping systems sustainability: Inoculation and fertilisation effect on sulla performances in a new cultivation area

“…Legumes inoculation and fertilisation practices may significantly affect systems sustainability (Cazzato et al, 2012). In fact, legume inoculation could be essential to assure adequate nodulation and N-fixation when planting in areas where the crop have not been grown before and/or to optimise legume yields by the selection of superior N-fixing strains capable of more effective symbioses (Amarger, 2001;Herridge et al, 2002).…”

Effect of Phosphorus Level and Some Growth Regulators on Productivity of Faba Bean (Vicia Faba L.)

“…It has become one of the strategic crops due to its income to the farmers. Also, Faba bean is popular legume food and used in worldwide as an important source of protein for human and animal nutrition (Cazzato et al, 2012). It's important for soil fertility, human nutrition as a good source of vegetarian protein animal feeding and industry purposes (Sharaan et al, 2004).…”

The effect of varying levels of high- and low-tannin faba bean (<i>Vicia faba</i> L.) seeds on gastrointestinal function and growth performance in turkeys

“…Fluctuations in the production volume and price of soyabean meal (SBM) has stirred interest in legumes (Jezierny et al, 2010) that can be used to improve soil fertility in agricultural ecosystems and provide natural protection against pests (Cazzato et al, 2012). In organic livestock production systems, the seeds of locally grown legume crops are a viable alternative to SBM with a high risk of GMO contamination (Tufarelli and Laudadio, 2015).…”