Response of common bean to phosphorus on acid soils

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to phosphorus (P) fertilization on four acid soils. The soils used were Dusky Red‐Latosol, Dark Red‐Latosol, Red‐Yellow Latosol, and Red sand and P treatments applied were 0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg P kg^‐1 of soil. Phosphorus application significantly increased dry matter, grain yield, and yield components, but the response varied from soil to soil. Under glasshouse conditions, 90% of maximum yield was obtained with the application of 88 to 167 mg P kg^‐1 and the critical extractable P level varied from 5.4 to 86 mg P kg^‐1 of soil, depending on the soil. Grain yield of common bean had positive significant (P < 0.01) correlation with number of pods, number of grains, and P concentration in the tops.