Improvement of Faba Bean Production in Saltaffected Soils by Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae Inoculation and Phosphorus Application

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) represents a major source of protein for animal and human nutrition, and provides several benefits such as improved soil quality. The Giza cultivar 87 (Vicia faba L.) was evaluated in three different salinity levels (6.9, 8.7 and 14.8 dSm-1) during two successive cropping seasons (2016-2017 and 2017-2018). The experiment was designed to analyze effect of soil salinity on nitrogen fixation, protein, chemical composition and crop productivity (for both grain and straw). Three phosphorus levels and inoculation with Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae were investigated to improve the growth of Vicia faba L under these conditions. Soil salinity levels reduced the grain number and straw weight of plants. Moreover, yield reductions were associated with increasing soil salinity levels confirming salinity effects on faba bean productivity. Salinity induced a significant decreased in all plant growth parameters, plant chlorophyll and grains proteins, as well as increased Na% of faba bean plants. The plants treated with R. leguminosarum bv. viciae showed significant increase in growth traits such as plant length (%), plant fresh weight (%), protein, N-content and dry weight. On the other hand, the dual treatments with R. leguminosarum bv. viciae plus phosphorus gave a great results compared with inoculation or phosphorus alone. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation inoculation enhanced the growth and yield parameters.