Response of fababean yield, protein production and water use to irrigation

Response of fababeans (Vicia faba L.) to irrigation was studied by subjecting the crop to soil moisture stress (withholding irrigation) during the latter parts of the growing season or to levels of soil moisture (varying the frequency of irrigation) throughout the growing season. Increased soil moisture supply under either of these procedures increased yields of seed, straw and crude protein. Evapotranspiration (ET) for the growing season averaged 544 mm, which is 16% greater than that of irrigated cereals. Efficiency of water use (plant product per unit of ET) was about constant over the range of treatments and yields were linearly correlated with ET. Soil moisture must be maintained at least above 50% of the available range to achieve the full yield potential of fababeans. The potential yield of crude protein equals or exceeds that of other irrigated crops in southern Alberta.