Effects of microbial and chemical fertilization on yield and seed quality of faba bean (Vicia faba)

A field experiment was conducted at EL–Hudeiba Research Station farm in north Sudan for two consecutive seasons to examine the effect of inoculation by different Rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria strains and their interaction on yield and seed quality of faba bean, and to compare between the effects of chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers. Rhizobium inoculation individually increased significantly yield, seed moisture, ash, crude fiber and crude protein. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria individually significantly increased yield, seed moisture, ash and fat in faba bean. Rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria significantly increased yield and seed quality (moisture, crude protein, fat, crude fiber and ash content) and decreased seeds carbohydrate content of faba bean plants. A synergetic effect was observed when the two types of microorganisms were combined. Comparable increments in yield were obtained resulting from either microbial fertilizers (nitrogen fixing and/or phosphate solubilizing bacteria) or chemical fertilizers (nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers). The study revealed the need for biological fertilizers with compatible effective strains to compensate the chemical fertilizers, to decrease the expenses of chemical fertilizers and to protect the environment from pollution hazards.