Response of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to NP Fertilizer Rates and Plant Population Density at Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

F Field experiments were carried out for 2018-2020 main cropping seasons at kersa and Omonada Jimma on farmers’ fields. The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of 23/23, 23/46, 46/46 and 69/69 NP kg ha-1 levels with inter and intra (333333, 250000, 200000 and 166667 plant density ha-1) respectively laid down in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications using (Nassir) common bean variety. Across season and location data analysis of ANNOVA showed that all parameters were significantly affected by different densities and NP fertilizer rates including above ground biomass, harvest index and grain yield except harvest index was not affected by NP fertilizer rates. The highest plant height (72.51cm) was recorded from the highest (69/69 kg ha-1) NP fertilizer rate. The highest above ground biomass and grain yield of 6.40 and 2.45 t ha-1 were obtained from the highest (333333) plant density ha-1. Also, it showed still there was an increase in plant density increases with 26.29 and 6.52% grain yield advantage over the lowest density and control recommendation respectively. Also from economic and sensitivity analysis results treatments (333333) ha-1 plant population density, (23/23) and (46/46) kg/ha NP fertilizer rates gave the highest yield response and net benefit with MMR 1035, 111 and 224% respectively. In conclusion, intra and inter row spacing 3*10cm or equivalent (333333) ha-1 plant population density with applications of one of the two (23-23) or (46/46) kg/ha NP fertilizer rates based on their resource was recommended to farmers of study areas and similar agro ecology.