Faba bean yields are often lower than they could be if appropriate interventions were taken. We surveyed literature on quantitative impacts of management choices related to region of adaptation, soil and water management, nitrogen nutrition and pollination. At least six adaptation classes can be resolved, differing in autumn vs spring sowing and maturity time. The crop is very responsive to alleviation of drought, soil compaction, soil acidity and waterlogging. The crops dependence on bee-mediated pollination is well known, but there are no guidelines on the adequacy of pollination in a commercial crop. Recognition of stress symptoms and the application of appropriate inputs can enable farmers to greatly increase crop yields