Effects of Rhizobium Inoculation Rate on Yield and Yield Components of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an economically important crop in Ethiopia. The productivity of Faba bean in Ethiopia has declined due to poor management practices of Bio fertilizer rates usage. This study evaluated the effect of Rhizobium inoculation rates on Yield and Yield Components of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) during the 2018 main cropping season. Results indicated that Rhizobium inoculation significantly increased the number of nodules, effective nodules, plant height, and pods per plant. The highest grain yield (2811 kg ha⁻¹) and harvest index (40%) were achieved at 500 g ha⁻¹, while the maximum biomass yield (7089 kg ha⁻¹) occurred at 750 g ha⁻¹. Nodulation and growth improvements were attributed to enhanced nitrogen fixation and nutrient uptake. The study concludes that applying 500–750 g ha⁻¹ of Rhizobium bio-fertilizer can substantially improve Faba bean productivity in nutrient-deficient soils.