Irrigated common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) performance on calcareous alkaline soils as influenced by previous crops in North of Sudan

Abstract

This study examines the ability of different cropping sequence (including or not includingalfalfa) to improve bean productivity in calcareous and alkaline soils of the old Nile (high)terraces in North of Sudan. The soil in the experimental site is sandy clay to sandy clayloom. Soil properties were examined before planting and after bean harvest. Salinitywhich was greater in non-reclaimed soil decreased regardless of the cropping sequence.Soil alkalinity remain higher than 8 in all cropping sequence after more than 6-7 croppingseasons. P (Olsen) and calcium carbonate showed inconsistent trends regardless of thecropping sequence. Organic carbon increased after bean cultivation in both croppingsequence. Change in growth parameters as affected by cropping sequence were significantin various levels, however, that determining yield were not. Presence of alfalfa in thecropping sequence increased seed yield, number of pods per plant, number of seeds perpods, pod length, plant length, leaf length, leaf width, fresh plant weight, nodule number.However seed weight was decreased.