Abstract
Snap bean is a warm-season crop harvested for its immature seed pods. In Ethiopia its production increased from time to time for both export and local markets. A field experiment was conducted at the research field of JUCAVM, during 2017 cropping season using irrigation aiming to improve the quality of snap bean. Five levels of N (0, 41, 82, 123, and 164 kg ha−1) and four levels of P (0, 46, 92 and 138 kg ha−1) were laid down in a randomized complete block design with three replications. N was applied in two equal splits (50% at planting and 50% during flowering) as Urea and the entire dose of P was applied basal as triple super phosphate at sowing. In this experiment pod length, pod diameter, pod protein concentration, pod straightness and marketable pod yield were measured as quality parameters. The results revealed that the main effects of N and P fertilizer rates showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) for all quality parameters except for percentage of pod protein concentration and straightness of pod. Accordingly, the interaction effects of N and P were significant for percent of pod protein concentration and straightness of pod. Considering the major quality parameters and marketable pod yield applying 82 kg N ha −1 and 46 kg P2O5 ha−1 gave better result to increase the quality of snap bean in Jimma area. However, repeating the experiment for more seasons and similar location would help us draw sound conclusion and recommendations.
Highlights
The arid region salt-affected soils have high pHe, ECe, SAR, and are calcareous which limit nutrient availability and plant growth [1], in developing countries [2, 3]
Nitrogen accounts for about 80% of the total mineral nutrients absorbed by plants [13] and its uptake by rice is inhibited under high soil salinity and sodicity status [14]
Et al [14], reported that uptake of N by rice was inhibited under high sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) concentration in the roots, and the excess amount of absorbed Na+ depressed NH4+ absorption. [37] co-composting bagasse and filter cake to widen the C/N ratio of filter cake reduced N loss to approximately 12 %
Summary
The arid region salt-affected soils have high pHe, ECe, SAR, and are calcareous which limit nutrient availability and plant growth [1], in developing countries [2, 3]. Nitrogen accounts for about 80% of the total mineral nutrients absorbed by plants [13] and its uptake by rice is inhibited under high soil salinity and sodicity status [14]. Efficient and cost-effective crop production in arid and semi-arid regions; on salt affected soils demands appropriate management options that minimize salinity impacts and optimize plant nutrients use efficiency.
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