Blended Fertilizer Research Articles

Response of Soil Microbial Community Structure to Phosphate Fertilizer Reduction and Combinations of Microbial Fertilizer

The excessive application of phosphorus (P) fertilizer is becoming a major agricultural problem, which reduces the utilization rate of the P fertilizer and degrades soil quality. The following five P fertilizer treatments were investigated to know how they affect soil properties, enzyme activity, bacterial and fungal community structure. 1) no P fertilizer (P0); 2) farmers’ traditional P fertilization scheme (FP); 3) 30% reduction in P fertilizer application (P1, microbial blended fertilizer as base fertilizer); 4) 30% reduction in P fertilizer application (P2, diammonium phosphate as starting fertilizer); 5) 30% reduction in P fertilizer application (P3, microbial inoculum seed dressing). The P fertilizer reduction combined with microbial fertilizer significantly increased soil organic matter (SOM), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP) available potassium (AK) contents, and acid phosphatase activity (ACP), however, soil urease activity was significantly reduced. Moreover, the P fertilizer reduction combined with microbial fertilizer significantly increased the relative abundance of a potential beneficial genus (i.e., Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Penicillium, and Acremonium) and potentially pathogenic genus (i.e., Fusarium, Gibberella, and Drechslera). The structural equation model (SEM) revealed that different P fertilizer reduction systems had significant indirect effects on bacterial and fungal community structures. The results suggested that the P fertilizer reduction combined with microbial fertilizer systems regulated the pathogenic and beneficial genus which created a microbial community that is favorable for maize growth. Moreover, the findings highlighted the importance of soil properties in determining the soil bacterial and fungal community structure.

Vertisols in the Ethiopian Highlands: Interaction between Land Use Systems, Soil Properties, and Different Types of Fertilizer Applied to Teff and Wheat

Vertisols are among the most extensive soil types in the Ethiopian highlands, occurring in a wide range of agro-ecological zones where complex crop–livestock-based farming systems are practiced. Sustainable soil management on vertisols always meets with physical characteristics that are driven by clay mineralogy, swelling, shrinking, and risk of temporary waterlogging. The latter causes substantial spatial variability and turns vertisols into obnoxious study material, when compared to other soil classification orders. In this study, we have explored soil properties across different farming systems using soil profile and analytical data generated by the CASCAPE project; an action research project funded by the Dutch government for capacity building on the scaling up of evidence-based best practices for increased agricultural production in Ethiopia. In addition, the effects of variations in vertisol properties on crop yield and fertilizer response were examined through fertilizer trials in different locations. Teff (Eragrostis teff Zucc.) and wheat (Triticum aestivium), the two cereal crops commonly grown on vertisols, were used as test crops. Five treatments of NPSZnB—nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur, zinc and boron containing blend (50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 kg/ha)—and two treatments comparing NPS and diammonium phosphate (DAP) with the blend containing Zn and B were included in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that soil quality was generally poor under the highland cereal systems, i.e., sorghum–teff–livestock mixed system (FS1) and wheat–maize–teff–barley–livestock system (FS2) compared to the enset–coffee–cereal–livestock complex system (FS3), which cannot only be attributed to geological history, but also to the way the land use systems have shaped the soils. The emerging differences in soil properties significantly (p < 0.01) affected crop yields. The soil properties that had the largest influence on teff and wheat yield were soil pH, organic carbon (OC), available sulfur (S), exchangeable potassium (K) and some micronutrients (B, Fe, Mn and Cu). Teff grain and biomass yield were inversely related, unlike wheat. Regarding the rate of fertilizer application, wheat responded significantly up to the highest level (300 kg/ha), but teff yield leveled off earlier. The blend fertilizers did not perform any better than NPS or DAP alone. Given the extent and the importance of vertisols in Ethiopian agriculture, comprehensive future outlooks are needed, including the options for cluster farming and mechanization to realize economies of scale and more efficient use of capital and labor inputs.

Effects of Blended NPS Fertilizer Rates on the Yield Components and the Yield of Bread Wheat Varieties (Triticum aestivum L.)

The use of improper fertilizer type and amount, the cultivation of unimproved, low-yielding varieties and poor soil fertility are among the main obstacles limiting the productivity of wheat in Ethiopia in general and in the study area in particular. A field trial was therefore initiated to evaluate the effects of blended NPS fertilizer rates on the yield components and the yield of bread wheat varieties and to identify economically justifiable amounts of blended NPS fertilizer in the study area. The experiment was set up in RCBD with three replicates in which three bread wheat varieties (Ogolcho, Jalane and Sanate) and five levels of mixed NPS fertilizers (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) were assessed in a factorial combination. The results showed that all properties of the bread wheat varieties were significantly (p <0.01) influenced by the main effects of the variety and the NPS fertilizer. The highest (0.43) and the lowest (0.36) harvest index were obtained from 150 kg ha-1 NPS. The interactions of the two main factors only affect the total number of tillers, the number of productive tillers, the aboveground biomass, the grain and straw yield. Similarly, the highest and lowest (11.04 and 1.13) agronomic efficiencies were obtained from the combination of 150 kg NPS ha-1 with the Sanate variety and 50 kg ha-1 with the Jalane variety. The highest profitability (82710 ETB ha-1) and a higher MRR (2305.8%) are obtained from the Sanate variety with an application rate of 150 kg ha-1 NPS. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the application of 150 kg ha-1 NPS and the cultivation of the Sanate variety could be the better choice of the farmers of the study area in order to achieve high yields with higher returns.

Soil Characterization and Response of Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to Application of Blended and Bio Fertilizer in Meskan District, Southern Ethiopia

Information on soil characterization and effects of blended and bio fertilizer application on haricot bean production is crucial for best land management practices. Therefore, afield experiment was conducted to assess soil, response of haricot bean to application of blended, and bio fertilizer in Meskan district, Southern Ethiopia. A pedon 2 x 2x 2 m deep was opened by hand digging at experimental site. Soil samples from each horizon and three surface samples around the profile were collected for laboratory analysis of the most important soil physical and chemical properties. Based on the field survey and soil analytical results, soils of the study area were classified as Vertisols. The field experiment was laid out in RCBD with treatments including control, NPS, NPK, NPSB, NPSZNB and NPKSZNB with inoculants and three replications. The results of field experiment showed that blended fertilizer with sterilized soil with inoculation was significant on number of pod per plant, 1000 seed weight, grain yield and biomass yields. The number of pod per plant (18), 1000 seed weight (482.71 g hr -1 ), grain yield (3481.5 kg hr -1 ) and biomass yield (8939.2 kg hr -1 ) were recorded from NPKSZNB application. Additionally, the results of the field experiment revealed significantly higher yield, MRR percentage and economic benefit was obtained by the application of NPKSZNB. Therefore, the present study suggests that, there should be a site-specific soil characterization for a better understanding of soil properties and application of NPKSZNB containing fertilizer with inoculant for better haricot bean production at Meskan and areas with similar soil and agro ecological conditions. The experiment was conducted for one season and location but it is better to repeat in different locations and season to draw sound conclusion. Keywords: Blended fertilizers, Yield and Yield components, Bio fertilizer, Soil characterization DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-11-02 Publication date: June 30 th 2022

Blended NPSB fertilizer rates effect on growth, yield and yield components of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties at konso, Southern Ethiopia

Sesame is an important cash and food oil crop cultivated in low lands of Ethiopia. However, sesame productivity was constrained due to declining soil fertility, inadequate extension and demonstration of improved high yielding varieties. Thus, response of sesame varieties to rates of blended NPSB fertilizer was studied at Konso, Southern Ethiopia, during 2019/2020 cropping season to determine sesame varieties and blended NPSB fertilizer rate on growth, yield, and yield components. The experiment consisted of three sesame varieties and five blended NPSB fertilizer rates laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Results of analysis showed that days to crop phenology, growth, seed yield and oil content variables were significantly (p˂0.05) affected due to sesame varieties and blended NPSB fertilizer rates. Variety Setit-2 showed maximum plant height (153.83cm), number of nods plant-1 (31), number of branches plant-1 (8), number of capsules plant-1 (129), number of seeds capsule-1 (67) and 1000 seed weight (3.52g). Maximum number of days to 50% flowering (54), days to physiological maturity (93), plant height (146.17cm) and oil content (58.51%) were recorded at 200 kg ha-1 blended NPSB fertilizer. High nods plant-1 (32), number of branches plant-1 (8), number of capsules plant-1 (141), number of seeds capsule-1 (68) and thousand seed weight (3.87g) were recorded at 100 kg ha-1 blended NPSB fertilizer. The highest above ground dry biomass (4298.96 kg ha-1), harvest index (25.6%), seed yield (1099.33 kg ha-1) and oil yield (616.16 kg ha-1) recorded from variety Setit-2 when combined with 100kg ha-1blended NPSB fertilizer. Thus, blended fertilizer at rate of 100kg NPSB ha-1 and Setit-2 were suggested for sesame production the study area.

Different Fertility Approaches in Organic Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Production Alter Floral Biomass Yield but Not CBD:THC Ratio

Industrial hemp is once again legal in the United States but agronomic practices are not well characterized, especially for organic production systems. Many producers are concerned that while increased fertility may increase biomass yield it will also disproportionally increase that rate of total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) accumulation, making their crop more likely to be noncompliant at harvest. We measured the effect of four organic fertility treatments: (1) no fertility (NA); (2) manure-based compost (CM); (3) an industry-standard organic fertilizer blend (ST); and (4) an intensive fertility treatment designed for cannabis production (BQ), on biomass yield and cannabinoid accumulation over multiple timepoints and two years. We found that higher fertility (ST and BQ) led to increased biomass but did not influence the ratio of cannabidiol (CBD) to THC over time. We also found the ST treatment yielded the most consistently across years, whereas CM and BQ were less predictable and more costly, respectively. Our results show that fertility recommendations can be made to increase biomass yield without increasing the chance of noncompliance. Additional research addressing specific fertility requirements in organic cropping systems for hemp will be needed to meet consumer demand while remaining profitable and sustainable for growers.

Soil type and fertilizer rate affect wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield, quality and nutrient use efficiency in Ayiba, northern Ethiopia.

The blanket NP fertilizer recommendation over the past five decades in Ethiopia did not result in a significant increment of crop productivity. The main lack of success was highly linked to the extrapolating approach of one site success to others without considering the climate, soil, and ecological setting and variations. As a result, a new fertilization approach was desperately needed, and with this premise, new blended fertilizers are now being introduced to replace the conventional approach. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of NPSZnB blended fertilizer on bread wheat yield attributes, quality traits and use efficiency in two different soil types under rain-fed conditions in Ayiba, northern Ethiopia. Relevant agronomic data were evaluated and recorded from plots of each soil types for analysis. The analysis of variance revealed a significant (p < 0.001) variation on all the agronomic and grain quality traits due to the main and interaction effects of soil type and fertilizer treatment factors. Most agronomic and quality characteristics recorded the highest result in the highest treatment applications (175 and 150 kg NPSZnB ha−1) in both soils. Yield and grain quality traits of bread wheat was also found better under fertilized plots than unfertilized plots. In both soil types increasing application of the new blended fertilizer rate from 50–175 kg NPSZnB ha−1 showed an increasing trend in grain yield from 1.6 to 4.3 and 2.5 to 5.4 t ha−1 in Vertisol and Cambisol soils, respectively. The varied yield as a response of fertilizer treatments across soils signifies soil-specific fertilization approach is critically important for production increment. On the other hand, based on the partial budget analysis the highest net benefit with the highest marginal rate of return in both Vertisol and Cambisol soils were obtained when treated with 100 and 125 kg NPSZnB ha−1, respectively. Therefore, to produce optimum bread wheat yield under rainfed conditions in Ayiba (northern Ethiopia) fertilizing Vertisols with 100 kg NPSZnB ha−1 and fertilizing Cambisols with 125 kg NPSZnB ha−1 is recommended.

Results of Testing on Application Rate of the Specialized Organic Blended Fertilizer on Flue Cured Tobacco in the North Mountains of Vietnam

Province Cao Bang is one of the dominant flue-cured tobacco (FCT) producing areas in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam. Here, a specialized organic mineral mixed fertilizer (OM-NPK), with analysis of N-P2O5-K2O-organic matter-humic being 5-4-9.5-10-0.4%, was tested on the application rate of this grade to FCT in the Spring crop of 2021 with 03 rates as follows: 1 ton/ha, 1.1 ton/ha and 1.2 ton/ha, compared with the control of specialized inorganic mixed fertilizer being named VTL: MN (analysis of N-P2O5-K2O is 5.8-7.5-13.5%) and the background treatment (no fertilizer). The experiment, including 05 treatment, was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 03 replications on the main tobacco-growing soil in the Cao Bang, which is heavy soil. The results of this study showed that all 03 treatments on the application rate of OM-NPK fertilizer met the requirements of the test based on the fertilizer use efficiency (beyond the control by 10%), in which the treatment with the application rate of 1-ton OM-NPK/ha gave the best performance (reliability 0.05). At the same time, the density of micro-organisms dissolving insoluble phosphorus in the soil was higher in treatments of the OM-NPK application than the control.

The role of livestock feed fertilization as an improvement of sustainability in the dairy sector

Fertilization of crops used as feed in the dairy industry represents up to 50% of greenhouse gases (GHG) and 30% of milk production costs. The environmental impacts raised from this activity are mainly associated with fertilizer manufacturing. Proper fertilizer selection for feed production is an alternative to improve the dairy industry's sustainability. This study proposes a strategy to mitigate the environmental and economic impacts in the dairy industry via optimization of crop fertilizer blends by using a parametric linear programming model. Individual fertilizers' environmental impacts and costs were evaluated through the ecoinvent database v. 3.3. and governmental information, respectively. The effect of the optimized fertilizer blends used in each crop on the life cycle of a dairy supply chain in the Mexican Bajio region was evaluated. Three analysis tiers were considered: livestock feed production, dairy cattle diet, and dairy farming system. The optimization results of fertilizer blends revealed an opposite behavior between the environmental and cost indicators for all crops; a reduction of 1% in the environmental impacts could increase the fertilization cost by 5.5%. In addition, the results indicated that with the use of optimized fertilizer blends, a reduction of GHG emissions up to 22 g CO2 eq kg−1 of milk could be achieved compared with those conventional ones. Focused on the Mexican Bajio region, this contribution implies up to 2.2% of Mexico's commitments in the COP21 agreement for the livestock sector. Our results show that potential savings in costs of 29.6 MUSD y−1 could be reached when the most economical fertilizer blends are used in the optimization. This work presents an alternative to improve the sustainability in the dairy sector, which could be easily implemented for the agricultural producers, especially in countries such as Mexico, where government budgets dedicated to mitigating environmental impacts are limited.

Assessing the Potential of Irrigating Against Rainfed Manihot Esculenta Crantz Under Different Levels of NPK Fertilizers on Storage Root Yields in Tanzania Lake Victoria Zone

Objective: To assess the response of new registered Kiroba cassava variety on different rates of fertilizer under rainfed and irrigated regimes on the low fertility land of Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute of Tanzania (TARI), Ukiriguru, Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods: The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design in a split-plot design with irrigation and rainfed regimes being the site-main plot and fertilizer-subplots replicated three times. The treatments were absolute control and three rates i.e., 150:40:180, 75:20:90 and 300:80:360 kg ha-1 of N, P, and K respectively, under the rainfed and irrigated regimes. Results: Half rate of fertilizer blend N75P20K90 under irrigation regime had significantly high root storage yields ranging from 24.76 to 25.21t ha-1, to both cropping seasons. However, even though the root storage yields were slightly low (24.59 to 24.14t ha-1) in the same treatment, it did not differ with the rainfed treatment. The high root storage yields were attributed to the narrow gap between the small and large storage root size and adequate moisture levels. Conclusion: Cassava crop requires less fertilizer nutrients, but with appropriate proportion on soil moisture for increased root storage yield. Therefore, the study recommends further research to determine the potential yields using fertilizer blend within N50P10K70 and N100P30K120.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) bulb yield in low input production systems can be sustained through combined application of chicken manure and blended fertilizer

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of onion to different rates of chicken manure (CM) and blended fertilizer (BF) on growth and bulb yield at Jimma, Southwestern Ethiopia during the 2017/18 cropping season. Treatments consisted of four rates of CM (no CM, 5, 10 and 15 t ha- 1) and four rates of BF (no BF, 62.5, 125.0 and 187.5 kg ha−1) and laid out in 4 × 4 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on growth and bulb yield of onion were collected and analyzed using SAS version 9.3. Results showed that application of 15 t ha−1 CM + 125 kg ha−1 BF resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) desirable onion bulb characteristics such as larger bulb neck diameter (1.6 cm)bulb diameter (6.7 cm) and higher bulb dry weight (26.05 g plant−1). In addition, aboveground dry biomass weight (4.67 g plant−1), harvest index (84.79%), marketable bulb yield (37.34 t ha−1) and total bulb yield (37.86 t ha−1) were significantly influenced by the combined application of CM and BF suggesting that that productivity of onion can be improved through combined application of CM with BF. We conclude that combined application of CM along with BF could improve soil fertility and productivity of low input onion production systems.

Response of soybean (Glycine max) varieties ‘Katta’ and ‘Korme’ to NPS fertilizer rates at Western Ethiopia

“Katta” and “Korme” soybean varieties were released for high yields, better stability performance and higher contents of oil and proteins. Currently, introduced blended fertilizer have not been tested for these varieties which can possibly reach the potential when provided in optimum. Therefore, this study was aimed to conduct the response of soybean varieties to NPS fertilizer rates at Western Ethiopia during 2019 to 2020 cropping season. The treatment consists of two varieties of soybean (“Korme” and “Katta”) and six rates of NPS (0, 50, 75,100, 125 and 150 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that, nodule parameters were highly influenced (P<.001) by the main effect of NPS chemical fertilizer levels. Higher grain yield (2390 kg/ha) was obtained from application of 100 kg NPS/ha and there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between varieties on the grain yield. Therefore, both varieties of soybean with the application of 100 NPS kg/ha is suggested for the farmers of the study area. For future work, it is recommended to go studies the agronomic demonstration under farmers’ field, the nutritional quality of soybean for oil and feed for poultry.

Strategies for the production of a stable blended fertilizer of anaerobic digestates and wood ashes

The wood ash-based treatment of anaerobic digestates is a novel technology to achieve the stabilization and improve the properties of organic amendments as slow-release fertilizers. The present work evaluated 3 strategies to optimize the blending of these materials under minimum acidification. The first strategy consisted in the titration of 2 samples of digestate and 2 samples of wood ash with 4 acids (H2SO4, HCl, HNO3, and CH3CHOHCOOH). The stability of the samples was inferred from the pH measurements and the simulations with Visual MINTEQ allowed to confirm some of the on-going phenomena. The bottom ash and the agro-waste digestate required less acid to reach the targeted pH of 5.5, which prevents ammonia volatilization, due to low reactivity of the coarse particles and the low ammoniacal nitrogen content, respectively. The calculation of the pH of zero point of charge further minimized the use of acid reagents, since the optimum pH for the treatment of the digestates could be 11.90 ± 0.50 and 12.43 ± 0.06, when employing the finer and coarser fractions of the ashes, respectively. In the second strategy tested, commercial doses of acids were applied to the digestates before the addition of the ashes. The sorption of ammonia onto the fly ash at pH 10.49 ± 0.76 was found to be key to preserve the nitrogen of the food waste digestate, while saving HCl or HNO3. The third strategy involved washing the ashes repeatedly with ultrapure milli-Q® water to remove the impurities and reach a pH closer to the zero point of charge without using acids. The removal of impurities and most reactive alkali elements (e.g. sodium and potassium) from the ashes led to approximately 5 % lower pH and higher carbon, calcium, and magnesium contents, which could enhance sorption processes upon combination of these materials with the digestates. The integration of washing the wood ashes and commercial acidification of anaerobic digestates would provide the best conditions for the preparation of stable blends. This procedure also minimizes the use of acids, which disrupts the closed-loop valorization of these materials.

Evaluation of different blended fertilizer types and rates for better yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Mirab Abaya, Southern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, the common bean has been cultivated in different parts of the country. However, average national and regional yield is low due to various biotic and abiotic stresses like diseases, insect pests, drought, and nutritional deficiencies. Hence, this experiment was conducted in 2018 and 2019 cropping season to determine the optimum rates and types of blended fertilizer for maximum yield of common bean in Mirab Abaya woreda, Southern Ethiopia. The experiment was comprised of eight treatments; control, 100 kg NPS +10 kg urea (23 , 36, 7), 142 kg NPS + 42 kg urea (46 , 54 ,10), 189 kg NPS + 72 kg urea (69 , 72 ,13) , 100 kg NPSB + 11 kg urea ( 23, 36 , 6.7, 0.71), 150 kg NPSB + 42 kg urea, 200 kg NPSB + 72 kg urea (69, 72, 13 1.4 ) and 150 kg NPSB + 141 kg urea (92, 54, 10, 1.07) ha-1 blended fertilizers; and was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on growth and yield related parameters were collected and analyzed using SAS software. The significant effect of blended fertilizers was observed on plant height, branches number per plant and grain yield and non-significant on pods number per plant and seeds number per pod of common bean. The highest grain yield (3858 kg) was obtained with 100 kg NPS + 10 kg ha-1 urea application, while the lowest (3025 kg) ha-1 was obtained from control. The highest net return of 33072 Eth-birr ha-1 with marginal rate of return of 354% and 26524 Eth-birr ha-1 with marginal rate of return of 1481% were obtained from the application of 100 kg ha-1 of NPS blended fertilizer with 10 kg urea ha-1 and 200 kg ha-1 of NPSB blended fertilizer combined with 72 kg urea ha-1 respectively. Therefore, based on the yield response and economic indicators, it is recommended to apply 100 kg ha-1 of NPS blended fertilizer along with 10 kg urea ha-1 for common bean at Mirab Abaya, Southern Ethiopia and areas with the same soil conditions and agro ecology.

The Combined Application of Mineral Fertilizer and Organic Amendments Improved the Stability of Soil Water-Stable Aggregates and C and N Accumulation

Soil aggregate stability is one of the important physical properties affecting rice (Oryza sativa L.) production and soil sustainability. This study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of different medium-term fertilization regimes on soil aggregate stability and aggregate-associated carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in rhizosphere and bulk soil. This experiment consisted of three treatments, including mineral fertilizer alone (NPK), mineral fertilizer plus rice straw (NPK + RS), and controlled-release blended fertilizer plus cattle manure (CRF + CM). Although higher fertilizer costs were in the CRF + CM treatments, one-time application could save labor costs compared to the conventional split application of chemical fertilizers. The results showed that, compared to the NPK alone, the combined application of NPK with organic amendments improved the proportion of &gt;0.25 mm macroaggregate, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) concentrations, and mean weight diameter (MWD) in both rhizosphere and bulk soil during the whole rice growing season. In rhizosphere, the proportion of macroaggregate was significantly positively (p &lt; 0.01) correlated with root biomass while it had no significant correlation with SOC in the proportion of all sizes of aggregates. By contrast, bulk soil had a significantly (p &lt; 0.01) positive relationship between the proportion of &gt;2 mm class and organic C associated with smaller particle-sized aggregates (0.25–2 mm and &lt;0.25 mm). In addition, the organic C associated with 0.25–2 mm showed the largest contribution of the total SOC content in all treatments during the rice growing stage. Overall, the results suggested that the medium-term application of mineral fertilizer with organic amendments was beneficial to improve soil aggregate stability and C and N accumulation.

Forward osmosis dewatering of seawater and pesticide contaminated effluents using the commercial fertilizers and zinc-nitrate blend draw solutions

Fertilizer driven forward osmosis (FDFO) process would be feasible due to the possible prevention of the drainage of dewatered and concentrated pesticide effluent from agricultural pesticide industries to the environment. Instead, it would be possible to return the concentrated pesticide solution to the processing cycle, and on the other hand, employ directly the obtained diluted fertilizer draw solution for irrigation. This study investigated the performance of zinc-nitrate/amino-acids blends as fertilizer type draw solution, and distilled water, saline water (seawater), and synthetic wastewater containing pesticides as feed. The results indicated that the synergetic effect of blended type fertilizer presented significantly higher osmotic pressure and water flux than the sum of their individual ones, especially when the amount of amino acid increased. Conversely, an ignorable reverse flux of blended fertilizer draw solute was observed. The fertilizer blend with a molar ratio of 1:6 zinc-nitrate/amino-acid achieved the higher average fluxes of 34.7 and 23.92 L/m2h from distilled and saline waters compared to common draw solutions such as metal salts. Furthermore, the FDFO exhibited a high rejection (over 99%) of bentazon and imidacloprid in feed solutions compared to other agricultural pesticides due to their larger molecular weight and molecular size. The applied FDFO represented a significant reduction in specific energy consumption (from 0.17 to 0.049 kWh/m3) in a bench-scale setup as compared to the RO process almost at the same water permeation flux and the rejection of bentazon.

Effect of Blended Fertilizer Rate on Yield and Yield Components of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties under Irrigation Condition in Low Land Area of South Omo Zone

Maize is an important cereal crop in Ethiopia. However, the yield of this crop is limited due to the lack of varieties and blended fertilizer for varieties and site specifications. The use of a right amount of fertilizer based on crop requirement has significant importance for sustainable crop production. A study was undertaken to investigate the effects of NPSB blended fertilizer rate for maize yield production at a Dasenech and Nyangatom districts in the lowland area of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia during the 2019/ 2020 cropping season. The experiment was factorial with three maize varieties (BH-140, BH-540 and MH-140) and four NPSB blended fertilizer rate including kg ha-1(none fertilizer, 50 NPSB, 100 NPSB, and 150 NPSB). Factorial combinations were used as twelve treatments laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Phenological and growth parameters, as well as yield and yield components data, were collected and subjected to analysis of variance using the SAS software program. The result of analysis of variance revealed that the interaction effect of varieties and blended fertilizer rate highly significant difference in grain yield. The result indicated that the highest grain yield (3624.0 kg ha-1) and net benefit (45,324 Eth-birr ha-1) with MRR of 2123.5 % were obtained from BH-540 variety treated with 100 kg ha-1 of NPSB fertilizer rates at Dasenech location. Whereas, at the Nyangatom location, the highest grain yield (4324 kg ha-1) and net benefit (54,774 Eth-birr ha-1) with MRR of 2968.5 % were obtained from MH-140 variety treated with 100 kg ha-1 of NPSB fertilizer rates. Therefore, based on the yield response and, cost and return analysis indicated, it is recommended BH-540 variety treated with 100 kg ha-1 of NPSB blended fertilizer rates for Dasenech location, while MH-140 variety treated with 100 kg ha-1 of NPSB blended fertilizer rates for Nyangatom location and their similar soil conditions and agro-ecology.

Evaluation of blended fertilizer rates for improving production of food barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Semen Ari District, Southwestern Ethiopia

Depletion of soil fertility, depletion of macro- and micro-nutrients and soil organic matter and inappropriate and imbalanced fertilizer application are among the most important factors that reduces the food barley production in Ethiopia. Therefore, the experiment was conducted to evaluate NPSB blended fertilizer rate effect on improving production of food barley in Semen Ari District, Southwestern Ethiopia during main cropping season. Control, (142 NPS + 159 Urea) kg ha-1, (150 NPSB + 41 Urea) kg ha-1, (200 NPSB + 72 Urea) kg ha-1, (250 NPSB + 102 Urea) kg ha-1 and (100 NPSB + 161 Urea) kg ha-1 treatments were used for the experiment which laid out in RCBD following three replication with spacing of 20 cm between rows; and HB 1307 improved food barley seeds were drilled on prepared rows. Full dose of blended and potassium fertilizers were applied at planting time and urea was applied in two split. The result revealed that food barley responded well to application of N, P, S and B than the unfertilized one. Application of 100 kg ha-1 NPSB + 161 kg ha-1 Urea resulted in highest grain yield of 3806.3 kg ha-1, while the lowest grain yield of 1939.2 kg ha-1 was recorded from the nil. Moreover, the highest net benefit of 32124.56 ETB ha-1 and economic returns of 942.2% was recorded in response to application of 100 kg ha-1 NPSB + 161 kg ha-1 Urea. Application of 100 kg ha-1 NPSB + 161 kg ha-1 Urea gave 49.05% yield increment and 40.24% increment in economic return over the control. Therefore, we recommend application of 100 kg ha-1 NPSB + 161 kg ha-1 Urea for farmers and investor’s in study area and similar agro-ecologies as it was optimum for improving food barley production. Further studies and investigation should be done on plant nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency and over location. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 11(2): 10-17, Dec 2021

Effect of Farmyard Manure and Blended Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Hot Pepper (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Capsicum annuum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) in East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important spice and vegetable crop in Ethiopia. However, soil fertility depletion (nutrient deficiency) is one of the vital yield limiting factors in production. This experiment was conducted with the objective of determining the effects of combined use of different levels of Farmyard manure and blended fertilizer (NPSZnB) rate on yield and yield components of hot pepper and to identify the optimum combination of two fertilizers levels that give a higher yield of hot pepper. Mareko Fana variety was used for experiment. The treatments consisted of three levels of farmyard manure (0, 2, and 4 t/ha) and five levels of bended fertilizers (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg/ha) combined factorially and arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Analysis of the results showed that the interaction of farmyard manure and blended fertilizer significantly (p<0.05) affect most of the parameters studied. Application of 4t/ha farm yard manure and 100kg/ha blended fertilizers results showed that higher plant height 67.05cm, number of primary branches (7.82), number of leaf (331.72), number of fruit per plant (29.61), fruit length (10.49cm), total fresh fruit yield (5.60 t/ha), marketable yield (2.34 t/ha), total dry fruit yield (2.46 t/ha), biomass yield (4.96 t/ha) and harvest index (0.39) whereas lowest marketable yield (1.13 t/ha) and total dry fruit yield (1.25 t/ha), were recorded from unfertilized treatment. Therefore, the result of this study has showed that levels of farmyard manure and blended fertilizer in the study areas could be significantly enhances yield and yield components of hot pepper if 4 t/ha of Farmyard manure and 100 kg/ha of blended fertilizer are integrated and applied to hot pepper. Moreover, farmers in the study area should be encouraged to use integrated nutrient management system rather than inorganic fertilizer alone since such system helps not only supply nutrients but also improves physicochemical properties of the soil, thereby significantly enhances yield and yield component of hot pepper. Furthermore, as the study was conducted only at one location for a single season, it is also recommended to repeat the study across representative locations of the district both under rain fed and irrigated conditions.

Pollen Study in Two Improved Varieties of Manihot esculenta Crantz

Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni) Trotter], is a cereal crop species unique to Ethiopia, where it is an important staple food crop. It is grown for its tiny nutritious seeds. Even though, it is highly adapted to different agro-ecological conditions, its yield is constrained by different factors including declining soil fertility and improper utilization of fertilizer. An experiment was conducted to validate blended fertilizer formulas and levels under limed and unlimed conditions on teff grain yield and soil chemical properties of Nedjo area, west Wollega, Ethiopia. The treatments were comprised of eleven different types and levels of fertilizers[Blanket NP recommended(RNP), NPSB, NPSZnB, modified NPSZnB, NPKSZnB, RNP+lime, NPSB+lime, NPSZnB+lime, modified NPSZnB+lime, NPKSZnB+lime (after Agricultural Transformation Agency, ATA) and Control(0)]. The most yielder teff variety Kuncho was used as a test crop and planted in 20cm row spacing. The experiment was laid out in RCB design with three replications. The result revealed that application of balanced fertilization (macro and micro nutrients) + lime (treatment no, 11) has significantly increased grain yield compared with other treatments. Treatment no 7 (Recommended NP + lime) gave better grain yield. Treatment number 11 and 7 increased the grain yield 1322% and 978% respectively compared to the control. Blended fertilizers which have lime in addition showed a gradual pH increase and a sharp decline of exchangeable acidity. The available phosphorous of the soil was improved from 5.508 to 6.748 ppm with the application of recommended NP and lime (treatment 7).Calcium content of the soil has showed an improvement with the application of lime. It is concluded that balanced fertilization with lime has significant and positive response to teff yield and improves some acid soil parameters in the study area. Hence, it is recommended to apply macro and micro nutrients (balanced fertilization) with lime in order to attain optimum grain yield of teff around Nedjo area western wollega. Keywords: Acidic soil, blended fertilizer, Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter , lime DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-1-01