Blended Fertilizer Research Articles

Low Nitrogen Availability in Organic Fertilizers Limited Organic Watermelon Transplant Growth

Fertilization guidelines for organic watermelon transplant production are rare. We investigated the effect of four commercial organic fertilizers and seven organic fertilizer blends, along with one conventional fertilizer (Peter’s Professional 20-20-20) on watermelon transplants. The four organic fertilizers were Nature Safe (fertilizer label: 7-7-7), Miracle-Gro (8-8-8), Dr. Earth fertilizer tea (4-4-4), and Drammatic (2-4-1). The seven blended organic fertilizers were created by supplementing Drammatic with nitrogen (N)-rich and/or potassium (K)-rich fertilizers to balance its N:phosphorus (P):K ratios. Watermelon ‘Jubilee’ was sown in organic substrate, and fertilizer treatments were applied weekly with a total of 0.4 g nitrogen/L substrate. Miracle-Gro and Drammatic had the highest N mineralization rate after 21 days and the highest inorganic N concentration, respectively, and resulted in the highest shoot dry weight among organic fertilizers. Miracle-Gro also resulted in the highest root dry weight. Dr. Earth fertilizer tea supplied the lowest N and P, and resulted in stunted transplants. Our results indicated that nitrate concentration was the most important factor influencing both shoot and root growth. Supplementing Drammatic with N-rich and/or K-rich fertilizers to balance its N:P:K ratio did not affect shoot and root dry weight. Combined, we concluded that nitrogen availability rather than nutrient balance is the key factor influencing watermelon transplant growth.

Optimizing inorganic blended fertilizer application for the maximum grain yield and profitability of bread wheat and food barley in Dawuro Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract In a specific area, fertilizer application for a crop depends on the soil type and profitability. Optimizing chemical fertilizer utilization in crop production is crucial from an environmental and economic point of view. However, there is limited information available on the optimum NPSB fertilizer rate for the production of wheat and barley in the study area. Thus, the study aimed to establish area-specific NPSB (18.9% N, 16.44% P, 6.95% S, and 0.1% B) blended fertilizer rate recommendations for the optimal grain yield and profitability of wheat and barley. The field experiment was conducted in two locations in the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The nine treatments included 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 kg ha−1 NPSB fertilizer rates. Growth, yield, and yield component data in wheat and barley were collected from randomly selected individual plants and the net plot area. An economic analysis was conducted for grain yield using the procedure established by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. The analysis of variance results showed that blended fertilizer significantly (p < 0.01) affected plant height, number of productive tillers, spike length, number of kernels, thousand seed weight, biomass yield, grain yield, and harvest index traits. The application of a 150 kg ha−1 NPSB rate produced the highest grain yield (5419.0 kg ha−1) in wheat, whereas the application of a 125 kg ha−1 NPSB rate gave the maximum grain yield (4708.0 kg ha−1) in food barley. The economic analysis revealed that the application of a 150 kg ha−1 NPSB fertilizer rate for wheat gave the highest net benefits (309711.50 ETB ha−1) and marginal rate of return (MRR) (4096.96%), while the application of a 125 kg ha−1 NPSB fertilizer rate for barley obtained the highest net benefits (184424.00 ETB ha−1) and MRR (2195.39%). Therefore, to optimize the productivity and profitability of wheat and barley in the study area and similar agroecologies, farmers are recommended to use 150 kg ha⁻¹ NPSB for wheat and 125 kg ha⁻¹ NPSB for barley.

Evaluation of Balanced Fertilizer Types and Validation of Soil Fertility Map-Based Fertilizer Recommendation for Bread Wheat Production in Bale Highland Southeastern Ethiopia

The optimal and appropriate fertilizer recommendation packages for all crops considering the improvement in productivity of small-scale farmers in the country. To evaluate the impact of blended fertilizer on wheat output, a field experiment using a five-treatment, three-replicate RCBD design was carried out during the 2020–2023 cropping season at Bale Highland southeastern Ethiopia to evaluate balanced fertilizer types and validation of soil fertility map-based fertilizer recommendation for Bread Wheat production The treatment 1Control (without fertilizer)2 (100 kg/ha-1 Urea )3 (100 kg /ha-1 NPS plus 100 kg of urea)4(100 kg /ha-1 NPSB plus 100 kg of urea) 5(100 kg /ha-1 NPSZnB plus 100 kg of urea). The plot size was 3m by 3 m (9 m2) and the spacing between plots and blocks was 1m and 1m, respectively in comparison to the control, The application of 100 kg ha-1 NPSZnB + 100 kg ha-1 urea in Bale Highland produced the highest and most significant yields of grains (5257.51 kg ha-1) the least amount of grain (3006.51 kg ha-1) in Bale Highland at the same time. To improve the production of wheat in the study area, farmers in Bale Highland must apply NPSZnB, with a similar agroecology.

Study on Sesame Productivity with Blended Fertilizer Formulas in South Ethiopia

Study on Sesame Productivity with Blended Fertilizer Formulas in South Ethiopia

A new phosphorus fertilizer blend enhances grain legume yield and profitability in northern part of Ghana

Low concentrations of phosphorus limit grain legumes’ yield in the northern part of Ghana. Smallholder farmers could benefit from P-fertilizer blends to improve yield. This study evaluated the responses of soybean, cowpea and groundnut to P-fertilizer blends and their profitability in researcher-managed and farmer-managed trials in Northern, Upper West, and Upper East regions. The experiment was set up in a cross-factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with four replications. The treatments were two types of P-fertilizer blends (triple superphosphate and new yaraLegume applied at 30 kg P ha−1), a control and three varieties each of soybean (TGX 1835-10E, TGX 1789-8E and TGX 1834-5E), cowpea (Padituya, Wang-Kae and Kirkhouse), and groundnut (Samnut 23, Samnut 22 and Yenyawwaso). P-fertilizer blends increased grain yield of grain legumes in researcher-managed trials. In the researcher-managed trials, P-fertilizer blends doubled the nodulation of soybean varieties but did not influence the nodulation of cowpea and groundnut. P-fertilizer blends increased P-agronomic efficiency over control; however, the different P-fertilizer blends had similar P-use efficiencies. In farmer-managed trials, only the yield of groundnuts varied with the different P-fertilizer blends in the Upper West region, suggesting that P utilization may be location-specific for groundnuts. P-fertilizer blends increased the grain yield of soybean and cowpea varieties in the Northern and Upper West regions but not the Upper East region. The interaction between soybean and cowpea varieties and P-fertilizer blends was not significant. P-fertilizer blends recorded a higher value cost ratios (VCRs) that can offset uncertainties in price fluctuations. The high VCRs indicated that P-fertilizer blends were profitable and could be used to improve the livelihoods of smallholder grain legume farmers. The study demonstrated that grain legumes responded to P-fertilizer blends and are profitable. However, the non-responsive nature of the Upper East soils needs to be investigated to make P-fertilizer blends profitable in the region.

Identifying limiting nutrient(s) for better bread wheat and tef productivity in acidic soils of north‐west Amhara, Ethiopia

AbstractFood crop productivity is still low because of the decline of soil fertility in Ethiopia, particularly in north‐western Amhara. Fine‐tuning the source and rate of nutrients is required to solve soil fertility problems along landscape positions. Therefore, this study was initiated to investigate the need to apply selected nutrients to tef and wheat in acidic soils. This nutrient omission study was conducted in 74 farmers’ fields of Gozamen and Machakel districts. The omitted nutrients were sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), and boron (B). Potassium (K) was added, consisting of N, P, K, S, Zn, and B (All+K). Nitrogen plus phosphorus (NP) and no fertilizer treatments were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Furthermore, 50% and 150% of the All+K treatments were also included. The finding revealed that the application of different nutrient types at variable rates had a significant role in the grain and biomass yield of both test crops in the acidic soils. No tef yield and the lowest yield of bread wheat were obtained from the no fertilizer application treatment. The application of All+K had no significant yield advantage compared to NP fertilizer alone. This implies that N and P are the most yield‐limiting nutrients to produce tef and bread wheat, whereas KSZnB nutrients are not yield limiting. Therefore, refining the rates of N and P in acidic soils is needed for the economical use of fertilizers. Finally, applying blended fertilizers without empirical evidence is not recommended for smallholder farmers in the study area.

Valuation of different organic and inorganic fertilizer combinations on the growth and yield of cabbage

abbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is the most important winter leafy vegetable in the world and belongs to the Cruciferae family. An experiment was conducted at the Horticultural farm of Gauradaha Agriculture Campus, Tribhuwan University, Jhapa, Nepal from 26th December 2022 to 2nd April 2023 to evaluate the different organic and inorganic fertilizer combinations on the growth and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. cv. Green coronet). The experiment was conducted as a randomized block design with 7 treatments replicated 3 times and the treatments are T1: 25-ton FYM/ha, T2: 25-ton PM/ha, T3: 25-ton FYM/ha + NPK (RDF), T4: 25-ton PM/ha + NPK (RDF), T5: 20-ton FYM/ha + 10-ton PM/ha + NPK (RDF), T6: 10-ton FYM/ha + 20-ton PM/ha + NPK (RDF) and T7: control. Significant variation was found among the treatments. The result showed treatment had a significant role in different parameters. T3- The highest number of leaves, T5- the highest (leaf area, weight with roots, net head yield, horizontal head diameter), T4-highest (plant height, gross yield), T6- highest (stem girth, vertical head diameter) was obtained. On the result basis T5 (20-ton FYM/ha + 10-ton PM/ha + NPK (RDF) can be adopted as sustainable crop production. This study not only provides valuable insights into optimizing cabbage production but also underscores the importance of tailored fertilizer combinations for sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, the findings contribute to the broader discourse on enhancing crop yield while minimizing environmental impact. By elucidating the efficacy of specific fertilizer blends, this research paves the way for more efficient and eco-friendly farming practices, thereby promoting food security and environmental sustainability on a global scale.

Response of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum L.) Genotypes to Blended NPSB Fertilizer Rates and Wheat Rust Diseases in Southern Ethiopia

Lack of improved varieties and soil fertility degradation are among the major factors that limit durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) production in Ethiopia. The objectives of this study were to determine the response of durum wheat cultivars (i) to nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, and boron (NPSB) fertilizer blend; (ii) rust infection; and (iii) partial budget analysis using NPSB fertilizer blend. A 2-location experiment was conducted in 2021 in South Ethiopia to evaluate the response of 4 durum wheat genotypes to blended NPSB fertilizer rates in a randomized complete block design in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement. The results showed significant (P<0.05) differences due to genotypes (G), rate of NPSB fertilizer (F), and location (E) for all the parameters. The effects due to the G × F × E interaction were significant (P<0.05) for the number of total tillers, number of productive tillers, and grain yield (GY). A significant (P<0.05) G × E interaction was observed for the majority of parameters except days to 50% heading and plant height. Durum wheat genotype S3-213037 produced the highest grain yield of 3689.3 kg·ha−1 when NPSB fertilizer was applied at a rate of 225 kg·ha−1 at Adekoysha. Moreover, partial budget analysis indicated that genotype S3-213037 accrued a maximum benefit of 112,986.50 birr·ha−1 and the highest marginal rate of return of 1356.4% when NPSB fertilizer was applied at a rate of 225 kg·ha−1. Therefore, this study indicated that the application of an NPSB fertilizer rate of 225 kg·ha−1 could be used in the production of durum wheat in the East African region with similar agroecologies to the study area.

Effects of Controlled-release Blended Fertilizer on Crop Yield and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Wheat-maize Rotation System

The increasing use of nitrogen fertilizers exerts extreme pressure on the environment (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions, GHGs) for winter wheat-summer maize rotation systems in the North China Plain. The application of controlled-release fertilizers is considered as an effective measure to improve crop yield and nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency. To explore the impact of one-time fertilization of controlled-release blended fertilizer on crop yield and GHGs of a wheat-maize rotation system, field experiments were carried out in Dezhou Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Park from 2020 to 2022. Five treatments were established for both winter wheat and summer maize, including no nitrogen control (CK), farmers' conventional nitrogen application (FFP), optimized nitrogen application (OPT), CRU1 (the blending ratio of coated urea and traditional urea on winter wheat and summer maize was 5:5 and 3:7, respectively), and CRU2 (the blending ratio of coated urea and traditional urea on winter wheat and summer maize was 7:3 and 5:5, respectively). The differences in yield, nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency, fertilization economic benefits, and GHGs among different treatments were compared and analyzed. The results showed that nitrogen application significantly increased the single season and annual crop yields of the wheat-maize rotation system (P < 0.05). Compared with those of FFP, the CRU1 and CRU2 treatments increased the yields of summer maize by 0.4% to 5.6%, winter wheat by -5.4% to 4.1%, and annual yields by -1.1% to 3.9% (P > 0.05). N recovery efficiency (NRE), N agronomic efficiency (NAE), and N partial factor productivity (NPFP) were increased by -8.6%-43.4%, 2.05-6.24 kg·kg-1, and 4.24-10.13 kg·kg-1, respectively. Annual net income increased by 0.2% to 6.3%. Nitrogen application significantly increased the annual emissions of soil N2O and CO2 in the rotation system (P < 0.05) but had no effect on the annual emissions of CH4 (except for in the FFP treatment in the first year). The annual total N2O emissions under the CRU1 and CRU2 treatments were significantly reduced by 23.4% to 30.2% compared to those under the FFP treatment (P < 0.05). Additionally, nitrogen application significantly increased the annual global warming potential (GWP) of the rotation system (P < 0.05), but the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions was reduced due to the increase in crop yields. Compared with that under FFP, the annual GWP under the CRU1 and CRU2 treatments decreased by 9.6% to 11.5% (P < 0.05), and the annual GHGs decreased by 11.2% to 13.8% (P > 0.05). In summary, the one-time application of controlled-release blended fertilizer had a positive role in improving crop yield and economic benefits, reducing nitrogen fertilizer input and labor costs, and GHGs, which is an effective nitrogen fertilizer management measure to promote cleaner production of food crops in the North China Plain.

Effects of NPSB Fertilizers Rate on the Yield of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Tocha District, Southern Ethiopia

Use of balanced nutrition means supplying other essential plant nutrients in adequate amount and proportion along with N and P. This implies N and P fertilizers are not the only yield determining nutrients but also S, B, and Cu nutrients are important nutrient for crop production. A trial was conducted in Tocha District to evaluate the rate of blended fertilizers to improve Common bean yield during main cropping season of 2019 and 2020. The experiment consists of seven treatment including (1) control, (2) NPSB: 18.9-37.7-6.95-0.1 (3) NPSB: 28.35-56.55-10.425-0.15 (4) NPSB: 37.8-75.4-13.9-0.2, (5) NPSB: 18.9-37.7-6.95-0.1+0.4kgCu, (6) NPSB: 28.35-56.55-10.425-0.15+0.4kgCu and (7) NPSB: 37.8-75.4-13.9-0.2+0.4kgCu. Soil physic chemical properties of the experimental site had moderately acidic, moderate level of OC and total N, high level of exchangeable K, very high level of CEC, low level of available P and clay loam textural class. In generally, application of blended fertilizer yielded better when compared with control. NPSB with the ratio of 37.8-75.4-13.9-0.2 (200kg NPSB) gave significantly optimum yield (4368.83 kg ha-1) compared to other treatments and also the highest net benefit (18725 ETB/ha) was obtained with acceptable marginal rate of return (MRR) (375.91%) which is more than the minimum acceptable MRR (100%) considered in this experiment. Similarly, NPSB 18.9-37.7-6.95-0.1 gave considerable net benefit with acceptable MRR. Therefore, based on the yield response and economic indicators, 200kg NPSB (37.8-75.4-13.9-0.2) is recommended as the best option and 100kg NPSB (18.9-37.7-6.95-0.1) as an alternative option for common bean producers at Tocha district and areas with the same soil conditions and agro-ecology.

Enhancing faba bean (Vicia faba L.) productivity through establishing the area-specific fertilizer rate recommendation in southwest Ethiopia.

The aim of this study is to establish area-specific NPSB (18.9% N, 37.7% P2O5, 6.95% S, and 0.1% B) fertilizer rate recommendations for the optimal grain yield of faba bean. The field experiment was conducted in two locations in the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The nine treatments included 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer rates. An economic analysis was conducted for grain yield using the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center procedure. The analysis of variance results showed that blended fertilizer significantly (p < 0.01) affected plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, hundred seeds weight, biomass yield, grain yield (GY), and harvest index. The combined location mean result showed that applying a 125 kg ha-1 NPSB rate produced the highest GY (4857.2 kg ha-1). The result of economic analysis demonstrated that applying a 125 kg ha-1 NPSB rate earned the highest net benefits (212824.0 ETB ha-1) and marginal rate of return (3653.43%). Therefore, a 125 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer rate is recommended for high yield and profitability of faba bean production in the study area and other similar soil types.

Determining the Best Rate of Blended NPKSZnB Fertilizer for Optimum Onion Yield and Yield Components in Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

Aim: The nutrient content of current fertilizer recommendations is unbalanced and is based on a very general and blanket recommendation for all soil and crop types, and their economic benefit is low. Therefore, this study was initiated to validate the recommendations regarding blended fertilizers applied to the soil and to identify the best fertilizer dose that ensures optimal yield and maximum economic return. Study Hypotheses: significance effect of blended NPKSZnB fertilizer on onion yield and yield components. Study Design: The experiment was designed using a randomized complete block design with three replications and seven treatments. Place and Duration of the study: The field experiment was conducted in the off-season of 2018 and 2019 in Tahtay Koraro (two farmers), and Laelay adyabo (two farmers) districts of in northern Ethiopia. Methodology: Seven treatments with NPKSZnB fertilizer rates (25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 kg·ha-1) were tested under irrigation conditions. Thus, for each plot nitrogen from Urea was applied at a rate of 150 kg ha-1. Surface soil samples were collected before planting onion harvesting at a depth of 0-20 cm to analyze selected soil chemical properties such as pH, extractable electric conductivity (ECe), cation exchange capacity (CEC), total nitrogen (TN), available P and exchangeable bases (K, Mg, Ca, and Na). Results: The application of different doses of NPKSZnB under irrigation conditions had a statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05) impact on onion phenology, yield and yield components. The highest average onion yield (10,329 and 19,196 kg ha-1) was obtained after applying compound fertilizer doses of 200 and 250 kg ha-1 in Teahtay Koraro and Laelay Adyabo districts, respectively. However, the use of NPKSZnB fertilizer at a dose of 100 and 50 kg ha-1 for onion cultivation under irrigated conditions in T/koraro and L/adyabo districts was found to be economically viable. Thus, growers in both districts should use NPKSZnB compound fertilizer at these rates for onion production and productivity. Conclusion: Therefore, farmers in both districts should use NPKSZnB compound fertilizer at these rates for optimum onion production.

Effect of lime, blended fertilizer and vermicompost on maize (Zea mays) yield in Assosa district, north-western Ethiopia

Application of organic and mineral fertilizers improves crop productivity and availability of plant nutrients. Further investigation into their integral application is crucial to obtaining optimum crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted during 2020–21 and 2021–22 at experimental field station in Benshangul Gumuz, Assosa University, Assosa, Ethiopia to investigate the response of maize (Zea mays L.) yield to lime, blended NPSZnB fertilizer and vermicompost. Two lime levels, three vermicompost levels, and three blended fertilizer levels were factorially combined and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The integral application of organic fertilizer with blended fertilizer with lime significantly affected the agronomic parameters. Grain yield, number of grains per cob, 1000-seed weights, plant height, and days to 50% tasseling were parameters most affected by the amendments. Integral application of 50% of the recommended rate of blended fertilizer and vermicompost with lime improved maize yield by 53%, while the application of NPSZnB and vermicompost individually improved maize yield by 34% and 22% over the control treatment. One tonne of vermicompost and lime could substitute 38 kg and 23 kg of blended fertilizer, respectively. In conclusion, the integrated application of NPSZnB and vermicompost with the recommended amount of lime was the best soil fertility management option. In terms of grain yield and net benefit, 4 t/ha lime, 2.5 t/ha vermicompost and 100 kg/ha blended fertilizers were recommended for optimum maize production in the Assosa area and similar agroecologies.

Reducing greenhouse gas intensity using a mixture of controlled-release urea and common urea combining suitable maize varieties in a summer maize system

The one-time application of common urea blended with controlled-release urea (CRU) is considered effective for improving nitrogen use efficiency and grain yield and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of summer maize in intensive agricultural systems. However, the trade-off between the economic and environmental performances of different blended fertilizer treatments for different maize varieties remains unclear. Therefore, a consecutive two-year field experiment was conducted in the North China Plain to study the effects of different ratios of CRU and common urea on the yield, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, yield-scaled total N2O emissions, greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI), and net ecosystem economic benefit (NEEB) in 2021 and 2022. Four N fertilizer treatments with equal rate at 180 kg N ha−1 were applied as N180U (all Urea), N180C1(1/3CRU), N180C2(2/3CRU), and N180C (all CRU), and two maize varieties (JNK728-yellow ripe variety and ZD958-green ripe variety) were used. The N180C1 and N180C2 treatments produced the highest grain yield in varieties JNK728 and ZD958 (9.4–11.5 t ha−1 and 9.0–11.0 t ha−1), respectively. Compared to the N180U treatment (conventional method), the N180C1 treatment reduced the GHGI (24.8 %–25.9 %) and increased the NEEB (33.1 %–33.4 %) in the JNK728 variety, whereas the N180C2 treatment reduced the GHGI (16.9 %–28.8 %) and increased the NEEB (27.2 %–48.1 %) in the ZD958 variety. The study concludes that a one-time application of blended nitrogen fertilizer in suitable varieties can minimize the GHGI and maximize the NEEB, which is an effective strategy for balancing yield and nitrogen efficiency in the summer maize system in the North China Plain.

Clustering of the chemical properties of small‐scale farm soils to develop fertilizer blend ratios

AbstractCrop management through site‐specific fertility methods is crucial for both economic and environmental benefits. Potato‐specific fertilizer has not been fully established in Kenya, and the current fertilizer recommendation has been in place for a long time. A study was designed through soil sampling from small‐scale farms to make a soil‐based fertilizer recommendation for potato production. Inverse distance weighting interpolation was used to study spatial distribution of pH and major nutrients. Cluster analysis was used to group sampled farms into similar fertility clusters for easier fertilizer recommendations. Spatial distribution maps were identified for the project area. Three and four clusters were established in Meru and Nyandarua counties, respectively, among which three had adequate nutrients for potato production. At least 150 kg N ha−1 is recommended in most of the farms and 160 kg P ha−1 in Nyandarua, while 285 kg K ha−1 was recommended in one of the clusters (nitrogen, phosporus, potassium [NPK] 1:1:1.5). Cluster analysis can be used to enhance fertilizer recommendations. The assumption that K is adequate in tropical soil should not be generalized. Fertilizers in the market with formulations close to the recommended ones should be evaluated for field performances and adjustment of the final potato fertilizer.

Response of NPSB Blended Fertilizer and Varieties Onyield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at Gimbi District, Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Response of NPSB Blended Fertilizer and Varieties Onyield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at Gimbi District, Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Effect of Blended NPSB Fertilizer Rates and Varieties on Productivity of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Midland of Guji Zone, Southern Oromia

Low soil fertility comprised of low available phosphorus, total nitrogen and sulphur are the major yield limiting factors for faba bean production in the study area. A field experiment was conducted at Adola Sub-site station of Bore Agricultural Research Centre. The treatments consisted of two varieties namely Dalota and Habru with four levels of NPSB (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha) in randomized complete block design with three replications. The aim of the study conducted to evaluate the effect of application of Blended NPSB fertilizer and to determine economically viable blended NPSB rates that would boost chickpea productivity. Results showed significant effect of various levels of blended fertilizer on all tested parameters except on number of seed per pod and thousand seed weight. Application of 100 kg NPSB kg ha-1 gave highest number of primary branches per plant (3.02), plant height (50.02) and grain yield (2663 kg ha-1), net return (103376.5 ETB) with acceptable MRR (666.0%). Days to flowering (52.62), Days to maturity (108.96), number of pods per plant (40.31) had the highest value with 150 kg/ha with negative agronomic efficiency. Therefore, production of chickpea with the application of 100 kg NPSB ha-1 was most productive for economical production.

Strip-Till Farming: Combining Controlled-Release Blended Fertilizer to Enhance Rainfed Maize Yield While Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The two major concerns of sustainable agriculture are safeguarding food security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Studies on the performance of strip-till with controlled-release blended fertilizer on rainfed maize grain yield, greenhouse gas emissions, and net ecosystem economic budget are scarce in the hilly region of northeast China. In this study, the differences between strip-till (RST) and conventional ridge cropping (CP), straw off-field no-tillage (NT), and no-tillage with straw mulching (RNT) were comparatively investigated in the conventional fertilizer (Sd) mode. And meanwhile, four fertilization modes were also set up under strip-till (RST): conventional fertilization (Sd), controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer blended with normal urea 3:7 (30%Cr), controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer blended with normal urea 5:5 (50%Cr), and no-nitrogen fertilization. We analyzed maize yield, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI), net income and net ecosystem economic budget (NEEB) for different treatments. The results showed that, under conventional fertilizer (Sd) mode, the maize yield of RST increased by 4.2%, 6.0% and 7.2% compared with NT, CP and RNT and the net income increased by 7.0%, 9.7% and 10.0%, respectively. Compared with CP and NT, although RST increased CO2 and N2O emissions, the GHGI of RST was not significantly different from CP and NT, and was 8.0% lower than that of RNT. The NEEB of RST increased by 6.8%, 9.7% and 11.0%, respectively, compared with NT, CP and RNT. Under strip-till, compared with 30%Cr and Sd, the yield of 50%Cr increased by 4.0% and 9.2% and the net income increased by 3.5% and 6.9%, respectively. There was no significant difference in GHGI between 50%Cr and 30%Cr, and 50%Cr decreased by 10.4% compared with Sd. The NEEB of 50%Cr increased by 3.8% and 7.4% compared to 30%Cr and Sd. Strip-till combines controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer blended with normal urea 5:5 (50%Cr) and can be applied as a sustainable strategy to improve the economic efficiency of maize and reduce environmental costs in the hilly region of northeast China.

Effect of Fertigation with Struvite and Ammonium Nitrate on Substrate Microbiota and N2O Emissions in a Tomato Crop on Soilless Culture System

Struvite and ammonium nitrate (AN), as wastewater-recovered products, are possible alternatives as raw materials for nutrient solutions. However, their impact on the rhizosphere microbiota and N2O emissions is scarcely known. Therefore, the present research studies the ecological changes in the bulk-substrate microbiome and its correlation with N2O emissions in a perlite-based system tomato crop under (i) conventional synthetic fertigation management; (ii) fertigation with struvite; and (iii) struvite and AN. A high bacterial diversity and the natural presence of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria in a soilless system are highlighted. However, the different N-NH4+:N-NO3− ratios influence the ecological niches of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB), with a stronger response by AOB community, while AOA kept constant regarding the fertilization applied. Despite this, enrichment of N-transforming bacterial phylotypes was relatively enhanced (mainly Nitrosomonas, Nitrosospira, and Nitrospira) concomitant with the production of N2O emissions when ammonium fertilization was overapplied. In the absence of a plant, N2O emissions were positively correlated, respectively, with Nitrosospira and AOB:AOA ratio, suggesting potential indicators for ammonium availability in the substrate. Fertilizer blends using recovered nutrients are a feasible alternative for increasing circularity in horticulture. Nevertheless, optimum fertilizer management is needed due to its influence on rhizosphere microbiota and N2O emissions.

Growth, Yield and Economic Advantage of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Varieties in Response to NPSB Fertilizer and Planting Pattern

Haphazard and low soil fertility, low yielding verities and poor agronomic practices are among the major factors constraining onion production in the central rift valley of Ethiopia. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in East Showa Zone of Adami Tulu Jido Combolcha district in central rift valley areas at ziway from October 2021 to April 2022 to identify appropriate rate of NPSB fertilizer and planting pattern of onion varieties. The experiment was laid out in split plot design of factorial arrangement in three replications. The main effect of NPSB blended fertilizer rates and varieties (red coach and red king) significantly (p&lt;0.01) influenced plant height, leaf length, leaf diameter, leaf number and fresh leaf weight, shoot dry matter per plant, and harvest index. Total dry biomass, bulb diameter, neck diameter, average fresh bulb weight, bulb dry matter, marketable bulb yield, and total bulb yield were significantly (p&lt;0.01) influenced only by the main effect of NPSB blended fertilizer rates. In addition, unmarketable bulb yield was statistically significantly affected (p≥0.05) by the blended fertilizer rates and planting pattern. Moreover, days to 90% maturity of onion was affected by the main factor of NPSB fertilizer rate, variety and planting pattern. The non-fertilized plants in the control treatment were inferior in all parameters except unmarketable bulb yield and harvest index. Significantly higher marketable bulb yield (41 t ha-1) and total bulb yield (41.33 t ha-1) was recorded from 300 kg ha-1 NPSB blended fertilizer rate applied. Double row planting method and hybrid red coach onion variety had also gave higher growth and yields. The study revealed that the highest net benefit of Birr, 878,894 with lest cost of Birr 148,006 by the combinations of 150 kg blended NPSB ha-1 with double row planting method (40cm*20cm*7cm) and red coach variety which can be recommendable for higher marketable bulb yield and economic return of hybrid onion for small scale farmers in the study area. Also, for resource full producers (investors), highest net benefit of Birr 1,205,372 with higher cost (159,628 Birr) by application of 300 kg NPSB ha-1 is recommended as a second option. However, the research should be replicated both in season and areas to more verify the recommendations.