Irrigation Interval and Raised‐Bed Planting: Effects on Faba Bean Yield and Water Productivity in Gezira Vertisols, Sudan

ABSTRACT Field experiments were conducted during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons to evaluate the combined effects of irrigation interval and planting method on faba bean ( Vicia faba L.) productivity on Vertisols in the Gezira Scheme, Sudan. Three irrigation intervals (10, 15, and 20 days) and two planting methods (ridge and raised‐bed) were evaluated in a strip‐plot design with four replications. Irrigation interval, planting method, and their interaction significantly influenced grain yield, yield components, and irrigation water productivity (IWP). Grain yield declined from 1147 kg ha −1 under the 10‐day to 973 and 608 kg ha −1 under the 15‐ and 20‐day intervals, respectively. Raised‐bed planting improved yield under the 10‐ and 15‐day intervals but not under the 20‐day interval. The highest grain yield (1314 kg ha −1 ) was obtained with the 10‐day interval and raised beds, whereas the highest IWP (1.98 kg ha −1  mm −1 ) and Composite Performance Index (0.85) were achieved with the 15‐day interval and raised beds. Where irrigation water is available, a 10‐day irrigation interval combined with raised‐bed planting is recommended to maximise grain yield. Under conditions of limited water availability, a 15‐day irrigation interval combined with raised‐bed planting provides the best balance between grain yield, irrigation water productivity and water conservation.