RESPONSE OF FABA BEAN YIELD (Visia faba L) TO PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM UNDER DiFFERENT METHODS OF APPLICATIN IN SANDY SOILS

Two field trials were conducted at ismailia Agricultura’ Research Station ¡n 2001/2002 and 200212003 growing seasons to study the effect of foliar spray and seeds soaking application of 2% super-phosphate and 2% potassium sulphate (singly or in combination) on faba bean yield and its seed protein, phosphorus and potassium content under sprinkler ¡rrigation system in sandy soil. The obtained results indicated that: 1- The application of P and /or K as foliar spray or seeds soaking treatments induced significant increases ¡n seeds and straw yield of faba bean as well as seed protein, P and K contents during the two growing seasons compared with the control treatment. 2- Seed index (weight of 100 seeds) was not significantly affected by all studied treatments. 3-. Foliar application of 2% super-phosphate was the best treatment used for increasing the quantity and quality of faba bean yield, followed by the mixture of (2% P + 2% K) foliar spray treatment with no significant differences in most cases. 4- Under the same conditions, faba bean plants should be foliar sprayed 2 times (45 days after planting and 15 days later) with 2% super-phsphate singly or ¡n combination with 2% potassium sulphate with the addition of recommended soil fertilization.