The Response of Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties to Phosphorus Levels on Nitosols at Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted at two locations (Bolosso Sore and Damot Sore) in Wolaita Zone of Southern Nations Nationalities and People’s Regional State (SNNPRS) to evaluate the response of two varieties of haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to phosphorus fertilizer rates on acidic soils. Combinations of four levels of P (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg ha^-1) were used on two varieties. The treatments were arranged in factorial RCBD with three replications. Analysis result of soil samples showed thatOC, Av.P, TN and soil pH values were very low. Application of lime with P results significant changes on these chemical properties of the soils in the two locations.  The maximum values of these parameters were recorded at 30 kg Pha^-1. Growth parameters, yield and yield components were significantly increased with increasing rates of P at the two locations (year1&2). Maximum grain yields (1488.40 and 1523.7 kgha^-1 for Hawasa Dume  at  Gununo and Dolla, respectively and 1242.12 and 1352.01 kgha^-1 for Omo-95 at Gununo and Dolla, respectively) were recorded at rates of 30 kgPha^-1 in both locations. From the result of this study it could be conclude that it can improve soil pH,Av. P and performance of haricot bean varieties but till now there is some gap on correcting  Papplication of grain yield of the varieties. So application of P could be  increased the production of the crops.