Effect of Integrated Use of Coffee Husk Compost and NPS Fertilizer on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Yield of Coffee (<i>Coffea arabica L</i>.) at Haru, Ethiopia

Abstract

Integrated application of inorganic and organic fertilizers is the main sources for replenishing plant nutrients in agricultural soils. However, selecting the optimum combination of these resources based on soil type and crop species is necessary. In this context, field experiment was conducted at Haru research center to assess the effect of coffee husk Compost and NPS Fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and Yield of coffee in 2018/2019. The treatments were the different rates of both compost and NPS fertilizers laid out in randomized complete block design. The results of the study showed that combined application of coffee husk compost and NPS fertilizers were improved soil moisture and total porosity over control, while, bulk density was decreased below the control. Combined application of coffee husk compost at (7.5 t ha^-1) and mineral NPS fertilizer at (50 kg ha^-1) has better improved yield of coffee crop. The experimental yield of Manasibu variety for present study from the station was 1.59 t ha^-1. Therefore, based on the result of the study it can be concluded that under condition of low soil pH of study area the availability of essential nutrients (e.g. P, N, K, Ca, Mg, and Mo) are critically affected. This indicates that the strong acid pH values at Haru Research sub-center require more attention. Moreover, the low levels of CEC, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available P contents at study area soils confirm that soil fertility is among the constraints for sustainable coffee production in the Haru district. In response to this application of integrated NPS fertilizer and coffee husk compost with different rates improved soil physicochemical properties and coffee yield. The study recommended that the use of 7.5 t ha^-1 coffee husk compost and 50 kg ha^-1 of NPS fertilizer can be the best alternative integrated soil fertility management option in place of the sole application of inorganic fertilizers at study area tentatively. Nevertheless, in order to give conclusive recommendation further research studies are needed for more soil types and coffee crop varieties.