Determination of NPS Fertilizer rate the Yield and Yield Components of Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] in Kuyu District North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Tef is the main staple food of Ethiopia. It ranks first among cereals in the country in area coverage and second in production volume; however, its productivity is almost stagnant. The Degim Tef variety was sown during the main cropping season of 2020 and 2021 in the kuyu District, Northern Oromia, and Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to determine the NPS fertilizer rate relative the determined P-critical and P-requirement factors for tef and to estimate the economically feasible NPS fertilizer rate for higher yield of tef in kuyu District. Accordingly, statically analysis of variance showed that plant height, panicle length, biomass, and grain yield were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by NPS fertilizer rate with N fertilizer. The highest plant height (83.59 cm), of tef was recorded from the application of 75% P-critical from NPS fertilizer rate with recommended nitrogen panicle length (29.05cm), biomass yield (7509 kg ha-1) and grain yield (1635 kg ha-1) of tef were recorded from the application of 100% P-critical from NPS fertilizer rate supplemented with recommended Nitrogen whereas, the lowest value was recorded from the field unfertilized which was significantly inferior to all other treatments. Furthermore, the economic analysis showed that the application of NPS fertilizer at the rate of 100% P-critical from NPS fertilizer with recommended nitrogen fertilizer (92 kg N ha-1) for the production of tef was more economically beneficial for the district. Moreover, farmers and other end users could be advised to use 100% PC from NPS fertilizer rate with recommended nitrogen for tef production in the district and other areas having similar soil type and agro- ecology.