Plot size and number of repetitions in forage pea

The objectives of this research were to determine the optimum plot size and number of repetitions and to evaluate the fresh weight of forage pea (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense (L.) Poir). Twenty-seven uniformity trials of 5m×5m (25m²⁾ were conducted. Each trial was divided in 25 basic experimental units (UEB) of 1m×1m, totaling 675UEB. The fresh weight of plants, in each UEB was weighed. Nine trials (225UEB) were evaluated at 92 days after sowing, nine trials (225UEB) at 98 days after sowing and the other nine trials (225UEB) at 106 days after sowing. The optimum plot size (Xo) was determined by the method of maximum curvature of the model coefficient of variation and the means compared, among evaluation times, by Student's t test. The number of repetitions for experiments on completely randomized and randomized block designs, in scenarios of combinations of i treatments (i=3, 4, ..., 50) and d minimal differences between treatments means, to be detected as significant, 5% probability by Tukey test, expressed in percentage of the average of the experiment (d=10%, 12%, ..., 30%), was determined by interative process until convergence. The optimum plot size to evaluate the fresh weight of forage pea is 5.03UEB was of 1m² (5.03m²⁾. Four replications, to evaluate up to 50 treatments, in completely randomized and randomized block designs, are sufficient to identify, as significant at the 5% probability by Tukey test, differences between treatment means 32.4% of the average experiment.

agricultural experimentation; experimental design; experimental precision.