Response of frenchbean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to plant spacing, and nitrogen, phosphorous fertilization

Response of Frenchbean cv. Arka Komal to plant spacing (40 cm × 10 cm, 40 cm × 15 cm and 40 cm × 20 cm) and graded doses of N (50, 75, 100 and 125 kg/ha) and P (25, 50 and 75 kg P2O5/ha) was studied on a sandy loam soil. The decreasing plant spacing from 40 cm × 20 cm to 40 cm × 10 cm improved the yield significantly without adversely affecting the pod quality. The highest net returns along with higher rate of net profit were also observed with the closest spacing. Application of N up to 75 or 100 kg/ha significantly improved pod size, vigour of plant and individual plant productivity. Significantly higher pod yield, net returns and rate of net profit were observed with 125 kg N/ha. Phosphorus application up to 50 kg P2O5/ha positively affected pod size while plant size remained unaffected. The yield of pod and net returns were recorded maximum with 50 kg P2O5/ha. The rate of net profit showed a negative effect of increasing P levels.