Nitrogen levels and Rhizobium inoculation and yields of native white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Abstract

The combined effect of N fertilization and Rhizobium inoculation on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Bonita) nodulation and yield was studied in the semi-arid southern region of Puerto Rico. Six N treatments: 0, 22, 45, 90, 180 and 360 kg/ha were tested in inoculated and noninoculated plots arranged in a split-plot design with 4 replications. The application of 22 kg/ha of N in the inoculated plots increased plant nodulation 4 and 8 weeks after planting. Higher rates of N fertilization reduced the number and size of bean nodules at both sampling dates. On the other hand, dry beans consistently increased with applications of 0 to 180 kg/ha of N in the presence of Rhizobium