Optimization of NPS Fertilizer Rate and Row Spacing for Growth and Yield of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) at Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum greecum L.) is an important self-pollinated seed spice crop belonging to family Fabaceae. Fenugreek production and productivity in the study area is very low as compared to its potential yield mainly due to inappropriate application of fertilizer rates and plant spacing. Hence, field experiment was conducted in 2022 at Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia. The objective of study was to investigate and determine optimum inter row spacing and NPS fertilizer for growth and yield of fenugreek. Methods: Treatments consisted of four NPS fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) and four inter-row spacing (10, 20, 30 and 40 cm) that gave a total of 16 treatments laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Result: The ANOVA result indicated that the main effects of fertilizer rates, inter-row spacing and their interactions significantly (p less than 0.05) affected most traits investigated. Accordingly, the highest number of pod (17.10) and seed yield per plant (13.70 g) were recorded by application of 150 kg ha-1 NPS with 40 cm inter row spacing. The maximum total above ground biomass (3.46 t ha-1) and seed yield (1.60 t ha-1 ) were obtained by application of 150 kg ha-1 NPS with 10 and 20 cm inter row spacing, respectively. Moreover, the economic analysis revealed that the highest net benefit (279,130 ETB ha-1 ) with marginal rate of return of 2,976% was obtained by 150 kg NPS ha-1 with 20 cm inter row spacing. Hence, 150 kg ha-1 NPS with 20 cm inter row spacing could be recommended for production and productivity of fenugreek in Wolaita area.