Yield and Fiscal Benefits of <i>Rhizobium</i> Inoculation Supplemented with Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) in Climbing Beans (<i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i> L.) Grown in Northern Tanzania

Abstract

Both field and green house experiments were intended to investigate and evaluate the outcome of rhizobial inoculation supplemented with P and K on climbing beans production in northern Tanzania. The results obtained indicated that, inoculation using Rhizobium inoculants supplemented with fertilizers significantly (p ≤ 0.001) improved both vegetative and yield parameters of climbing beans varieties compared with control treatment. The economic analysis in rhizobium alone revealed a profit of US$ 2350 compared with control treatment with US$ 1558 profit, which was finally reflected in higher percentage increase over control and higher marginal rate of return (MRR). Thus, the use of <i> Rhizobium </i> inoculants supplemented with P and K increased climbing beans yield and the economic analysis performed based on total revenue and variable costs reflected an improvement in economic well being of a small hold farmer of northern Tanzania.