Effect of inoculation with selected rhizobia on symbiotic nitrogen fixation and Faba bean grains yield in north Tunisia agro-ecosystems

In order to improve of agro-ecosystem productivity based on cereal and legumes rotation, fourteen Rhizobium strains were tested in hydroponic culture with faba bean ″Bachar variety″ in glasshouse. The selected rhizobia were used to inoculate faba bean in thirteen farmers’ fields during two years. Inoculation with the different isolates enhanced nodulation and improved production parameters. Furthermore, Mat strain was the most preferment compared to the tested rhizobia. Results were confirmed by those obtained experiments carried out in farmer’s fields. Inoculation of faba bean with ″Mat″ Rhizobium strain increased significantly nodulation and grains yield. The variability of faba bean nodulation and yield was related to soils fertilities