Effect of Rhizobium inoculation, organic and chemical fertilizers on proximate composition, in vitro protein digestibility, tannin and sulphur content of faba beans

A field experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of Rhizobium inoculation, sulphur, nitrogen and chicken manure on proximate analysis, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) tannin and sulphur content of faba beans. The results showed that Rhizobium inoculation, sulphur, nitrogen and chicken manure treatments significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) increased protein, IVPD and tannin content. Ash, moisture, fat and crude fibre content varied in their response to different fertilizers. The inoculation results were as good as the addition of 40 kg N ha(-1) and the efficiency of inoculation can be improved by the addition of fertilizers and/or amendments. Fertilization of faba beans with nitrogen, sulphur or chicken manure not only increased yield, but also improved seed nutritional value. Chicken manure is a promising fertilizer, not only because it increases yield but because it has a significant effect in improving seed protein and IVPD. Sulphur treatments significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) increased the protein IVPD, tannin and sulphur content in seeds. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.