Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important source of dietary
protein in Uganda but current grain yields are extremely low. Beans are produced on a
variety of soils in south-central Uganda but the two most important soils for bean
production are the highly weathered Limyufumyufu (Ferralsol) and the relatively fertile
Liddugavu (Phaeozem) soils. These two soils vary in level of pH and fertility and
therefore must be managed appropriately. Beans managed under conventional systems
have a yield gap of about 75% due to poor agronomic practices, soil infertility, lack of
seed from improved cultivars, moisture stress, weed competition, and damage caused by
pests and diseases. The objective of this study was to compare the productivity and net
profitability of four bean cultivars grown under three management systems on
Limyufumyufu and Liddugavu soils in Masaka District, Uganda. The experiment was
designed as a randomized complete block in a split-plot arrangement. Management
system was the whole-plot factor and included the Conventional Farmer (CFS), Improved
Farmer (IFS), and High Input systems (HIS). Management systems differed for seed
fungicide treatment (no vs. yes), seeding density (10 vs. 20 seed m-2
), plant configuration
(scatter vs. rows), fertilizer applications (P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, and S), rhizobium inoculation
(no vs. yes), pesticide applications (no vs. yes), and frequency and timing of weeding.
Subplots were four bush type common bean cultivars that differed for resistance to foliar
pathogens. Increasing management level, independent of rainy season, and planting bean
cultivars tolerant to common bean diseases improved bean grain yield.