Water use efficiency, grain yield, and economic benefits of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under four soil tillage systems in Mukono District, Uganda

Abstract

< 0.05) affected the water use efficiency, with water use efficiency values generally higher under no-tillage and stubble-mulching than under deep tillage and conventional tillage treatments. The grain yield was highest under no-tillage and stubble-mulching than deep tillage and conventional tillage treatments, with over 5, 38, and 43% higher grain yield under no-tillage than under stubble-mulching, deep tillage, and conventional tillage treatments, respectively. Although no-tillage and stubble-mulching improved soil water storage and grain yield, seasonal precipitation distribution had a greater influence on the final grain yield, soil water storage, and water use efficiency. The net profit was 3 and 5 times higher under no-tillage than under conventional tillage and deep tillage treatments, respectively. The overall results showed that no-tillage and stubble-mulching were the optimum tillage treatments for increasing soil water storage and common bean yield, enhancing water use efficiency, and improving economic returns in central Uganda.