The effect of sowing rate and variety on the nutrient content of faba beans

Most faba bean research is about protein content while less attention is paid to nutrient content. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of sowing rate and variety on the nutrient content of faba beans. Five varieties were tested: Bauska, Gloria, Julia, Jogeva, and Lielplatones. Two sowing rates were used: 30 seeds m(-2) (100%) and 36 seeds m(-2) (120%). The higher sowing rate decreased the K content in varieties Gloria, Julia, and Lielplatones in 2016. In 2015 the higher sowing rate increased the Ca content while in 2016 the sowing rate decreased the Ca content. The higher sowing rate increased the Mg content in varieties Gloria and Jogeva in 2016. The highest N, K, and Mg contents were found in variety Gloria. In 2015 the highest K content was found in varieties Gloria and Jogeva, while in 2016 the highest K content was in variety Lielplatones. The highest Ca content was in variety Bauska. In conclusion, an increased sowing rate did not have a consistent effect on the nutrient content of faba beans. Thus, variety Gloria can be recommended for faba bean production in Northern Europe because it was the variety with the highest nutrient content.