Blended NPS Research Articles

Growth, Yield-Related Traits and Yield of Lowland Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties as Influenced by Inorganic NPS and N Fertilizer Rates at Babile, Eastern Ethiopia

Appropriate selection of varieties based on agroecologies and application of the right amount and type of fertilizers based on crop requirements are crucially indispensable to maximize maize production. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years under main cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of blended NPS and N fertilizer rates on growth, yield components, and yield of open-pollinated maize varieties at the moisture stress area, eastern Ethiopia. The experiment was comprised of two lowland maize varieties, three blended NPS (50, 100, and 150 kg), and three N levels (43.5, 87, and 130.5 kg) ha−1 using a factorial arrangement under a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that the leaf area index, thousand kernel weight, and biomass and grain yields were significantly influenced by the interaction effect of variety × NPS and N in the first growing season. The number of ears per plant, ear length, ear diameter, number of kernels per ear, and biomass yield were significantly affected due to variety in the second growing season. The maximum growth parameters and yield components were recorded from Baate and 150 kg blended NPS. Grain yield and harvest index were statistically affected by interaction effects of variety × NPS and N in both years. Therefore, the highest grain yield (9.7 t·ha−1) was produced from Baate at a combined application of 150 kg NPS and 130.5 kg N·ha−1. The partial budget analysis also confirmed that the highest net benefit (2,033.4 USD) with the highest marginal rate of return (3106.9%) was obtained at Baate variety where plants were fertilized with 150 NPS and 130.5 kg N·ha−1. In conclusion, an integrated application of 150 NPS + 130.5 kg N·ha−1 to Baate variety is agronomically optimum and economically realistic fertilizer level to get a higher grain yield in the study area.

English

Recently Green bean production and demand is increasing in Ethiopia due to its fast maturity and nutritional value. However, various constraints are reported for its low productivity, including inappropriate uses of plant population and fertilizer rates. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum plant population and NPS rate for quality and economically feasible yield of Green bean. The experiment was conducted in field conditions at Alage, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia, under supplemental irrigation in 2019. A factorial combinations of three plant populations (222222, 250000 and 333333 plants ha-1) and five levels of blended NPS (0, 132, 142, 152 and 162 kg NPS ha-1) were used in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Number of nodules per plant, number of effective nodule per plant, number of leaf per plant, plant height, and number of branches per plant, number of pod per plant, total above ground fresh biomass, pod diameter, pod length, harvest index and yield per plant and per hectare were recorded. All parameters were subjected to analysis of variance. The least significant differences (LSD) at the level of 5% significance were used to compare the treatments mean. The results showed that plant population and NPS rates had significant effects on number of nodules, number of leaf, number of branch, plant height, number of pod, pod length, harvest index, yield per plant and per hectare. The highest Green bean yield of 13.75 tons ha-1 and 16.06 tons ha-1 was obtained at the highest plant population (333333 plants ha-1) and the highest NPS rate (162 kg NPS ha-1), respectively. The highest acceptable marginal rates of return (57349%) and (6997.2%) were obtained from 333333 plants ha-1 and 162kg NPS ha-1, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that 333333 plants ha-1 and application of 162kg NPS ha-1 were gained the superiority for both agronomic and economic growth and productivity for plati variety of Green bean under supplementary irrigation at Alage area. Key words: Green bean, plant population, NPS fertilizer rate, growth, yield.

Effects of Blended NPS Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties at Dessie Zuria District, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, the average yield of potato is far below the potential due to different problems like in appropriate agronomic practices. Hence, this research was done to evaluate the effects of NPS fertilizer rates on yield and yield components of potato. The study was conducted at Dessie Zuria district, Ethiopia during dry season of 2015. A factorial combination of six level of NPS fertilizer (0:0:0, 111:89.7:0, 111:89.7:16.52, 55:89.7:16.52, 111:44.85:8.26 and 55:44.85, 8.26) kg ha-1 and two potato varieties were plotted in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The highest plant height of potato (87.60 cm) was recorded on 111: 89.7:16.52 kg ha-1 of NPS fertilizer rate. Belete variety supplied with 111: 89.7:16.52 kg ha-1 of NPS fertilizer rate recorded the maximum days (124.3) to maturity of potato. Similarly, Belete variety recorded the higher biomass than local variety. The 111:89.7:16.52 kg ha-1 and 55.5:89.7:16.52 kg ha-1 of NPS fertilizer rates showed the highest aboveground biomass (103.24 g hill-1) and underground biomass of potato (290.9 g hill-1) respectively. The highest average tuber number per hill (15.67), tuber weight per hill (1.82 kg), marketable (53.61 t ha-1), unmarketable (0.542 t ha-1) and total (54.15t ha-1) tuber yield were recorded on potato which was applied with 55.5: 89.7:16.52 kg ha-1 of NPS fertilizer rate. In all characteristics of growth and yield of potato, Belete variety was better than local variety. Similarly, potato fertilized with 55.5: 89.7:16.52 kg ha-1of NPS fertilizer rate was showed highest yield than other rates. Keywords: Potato; fertilizer rates; variety; marketable yield; tuber yieldDOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-13-01Publication date:July 31st 2020

Effect of Blended NPS Fertilizer and Varieties on Seed Quality, of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia

There is no information on the role of blended NPS fertilizer required to produce quality seeds of wheat in Ethiopia. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the status of how the quality of wheat seeds had been affected by NPS fertilizer. The laboratory experiment conducted during 2018 in completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications and the seeds of the three varieties evaluated/tested after harvesting of three bread wheat varieties planted in the field which is fertilized with eight blended fertilizer rates ( 0, 25, 50, 75, 100,125,150, and 175kg, ha -1 NPS fertilizer during 2017 cropping season. The seed quality test after harvest indicated that all seed quality parameters significantly influenced by separate effect of variety and the application of blended NPS fertilizer except moisture content of seeds not significantly influenced by the two factors and dead seeds not significantly influenced by varieties. The two factors interacted to influence only a thousand seeds weight and dead seeds. The result showed that highest value of the germination percentage (95.17%), dry weight (25 mg) and vigour index two (23.82) were recorded from the plot received 150 kg ha -1 l t. Similarly highest mean value of the speed of the germination (30.41) and vigour index one (19.35) was recorded on the 175 kg NPS ha -1 fertilizers. In the case of the thousand seed weight significantly the highest (48.95 g) and the lowest (39.13) mean was recorded on the interaction effect of the Kakaba interact with 175 Kg NPS fertilizer and Qulqulu interact with control treatments consecutively. Furthermore, the results of the experiment showed that significantly the highest mean value of the germination percentage (93.44%), seedling shoot length (9.48cm) seedling dry weight (23.98 mg and seed vigour index one (19.31) recorded on the Qululu and Shorima varieties respectively. The results indicate wheat crop seed quality attributes will be increased /affected due to the synergic effect of NPS fertilizer rate and genotype. Therefore, it can be concluded that the using of 150 /175kg NPS ha -1 and the growing of Qulqulu variety could be a better choice to obtain desired seed quality. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-7-02 Publication date: April 30 th 2020

Integrated application of compound NPS fertilizer and farmyard manure for economical production of irrigated potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in highlands of Ethiopia

Application of organic and inorganic fertilizers is essential for sustainable production of crops including potato. This study was therefore initiated to identify the optimum rate of farmyard manure (FYM) and blended compound NPS fertilizer for profitable production of potato in Koga Irrigation Scheme, Northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. Four rates of FYM (0, 4.5, 9, and 13.5 t ha−1) and NPS fertilizer (0, 81.7, 163.4, and 245.1 kg ha−1) were laid down in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that FYM and blended NPS fertilizer as well as their combination influenced most of the tested growth and yield parameters of potato including plant height, main stem number, and tuber weight. Application of 245.1 kg ha−1 NPS combined with 13.5 t ha−1 FYM recorded the highest marketable and total tuber yields of 43.52 and 47.04 t ha−1, respectively. Although, the highest marginal rate of return was obtained from plants supplied with the combination of 4.5 t ha−1 FYM and 163.4 kg ha−1 NPS fertilizer, combined application of 245.1 kg ha−1 NPS and 13.5 t ha−1 FYM is recommended for economical production of potato in the study area as it recorded the highest net benefit with acceptable marginal rate of return.

Response of growth, yield components, and yield of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) varieties to newly introduced blended NPS and N fertilizer rates at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia

Reduction of soil fertility from year to year due to natural and human made factors is a serious constraint for crop production in Ethiopia. Therefore, the application of actual balanced recommende...

Effects of blended NPS fertilizer rates on yield and yield components of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties at Dessie Zuria district, Northeast Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, the average yield of potato is far below the potential due to different problems like in low soil fertility. Hence, this research was done to evaluate the effects of blended NPS fertil...

Effect of Blended NPS Fertilizer Rates on Growth Performance of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) at Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia

Filed experiment was conducted as Wolaita sodo University, college of agriculture and department of horticulture filed site to evaluate the response of vegetative growth of tomato to different rate of NPS application. The size of total plot is 7.5m X 5.5m (41.25m 2 ) and the size of each plot was 1.50m X 1.50m (2.25m 2 ). Three rate of blended NPS fertilizer at 80kg /ha, 160kg/ha and 240kg/ha with control (check). The experiment was lay out with 12 plots having 3 blokes and each block have four plots. The data on plant height per plant, the primary branches per plant, and the number of leaves per plants were collected from three plants of the middle rows of each plot and subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA with computing the treatment by least significance difference at 5 %. As the result the number of leaf number shows significant (P 0.05) different. This shows the tomato crop requires high amount NPS supply enough to maintain the branch, plant height, and the leaf number of tomato vegetative growth. Application of 240kg/ha of blended NPS fertilizer did showed significant factors for all growth parameters. Hence, as this research revealed that application of 240kg/ha was the optimum level for effective vegetative performance of tomato. However, to come up concrete recommendation the study should be repeated across the season and up to yield . Keywords : Tomato, blended NPS fertilizer, Plant height, Leaf number, branch number DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-24-01 Publication date: December 31 st 2019

Effect of Different Blended Fertilizer Formulation on Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Siyadebrenawayu District, North Shewa, Ethiopia

Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. ) is one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia. However, the yield of the crop is low mainly due to low soil fertility and poor soil fertility management practices. Field experiment was conducted during 2017 cropping season in Siyadebrenawayu district , central Ethiopia with the objective to evaluate the effect of different blended fertilizer formulation of S, B, Zn and K on yield and yield components of bread wheat. The 14 treatments used for the field experiment were (1) control, (2) recommended NP(175 kgha -1 N+125 kgha -1 P 2 O 5 ), (3) S 1 (10.5 kgha -1 ), (4) S 2 (15.75 kgha -1 ), (5) S 3 (21 kgha -1 ), (6) S 1 B 1 (10.35 S, 0.15B) kgha -1 , (7) S 2 B 2 (15.5 S, 1.5B) kgha -1 , (8) S 3 B 3 (20.7 S, 3B) kgha -1 , (9) S 1 B 1 Zn 1 (11.1S, 0.15B, 3.3Zn) kgha -1 , (10) S 2 B 2 Zn 2 (16.65S, 1.5B, 4.95Zn) kgha -1 , (11) S 3 B 3 Zn 3 (22.2S, 3B, 6.6Zn) kgha -1 ,(12) S 1 B 1 Zn 1 K 1 (11.1S, 0.15B, 3.3Zn, 50K) kgha -1 , (13) S 2 B 2 Zn 2 K 2 (16,65S, 1.5B, 4.95Zn, 100K) kgha -1 and (14) S 3 B 3 Zn 3 K 3 (22.2S, 3B, 6.6Zn, 150K) kg ha -1 . The recommended NP fertilizers are equally applied to all treatments except control. The experiment was conducted in randomize complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on yield and yield components. Yield and yield components of bread wheat was significantly affected by the treatments except 1000-grain weight. The highest above ground dry biomass yield (14.29 tha -1 ), highest grain yield (5.77 tha -1 ) and straw yield (8.51 tha -1 ) was recorded from additional application of S, B, and Zn at T9 (NPS 1 B 1 Zn 1 ). The application of blended fertilizer NPS 1 B 1 Zn 1 increased the straw and grain yield by 35.45% and 19% respectively as compared to the recommended NP fertilizer. The highest net return (58443ETB ha -1 ) with (MRR %) 742.18 was obtained with application of blended fertilizer NPS 1 B 1 Zn 1 . It is clearly observed from collected data and soil analysis that application of K fertilizer is not responsive in study area but, S, B and Zn application at the minimum rate is responsive and economically feasible. Therefore, application of blended fertilizer NPS 1 B 1 Zn 1 (175 kgha -1 N+125 kgha -1 P 2 O 5 +11.1 kgha -1 S+3.3 kgha -1 Zn+0.15 kg ha -1 B) can be recommended for higher yield particularly in the study area and it is also economically feasible. Keywords : Biomass yield, blended fertilizer, economic feasibility, grain yield DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-15-02 Publication date : August 31 st 2019

English

Proper type and amount of fertilizer application is the major factor that affects yield and yield components of durum wheat. Hence, field experiment was carried out on farmer’s field to determine the effect of blended NPS fertilizer (19% Nitrogen, 38% P2O5 and 7% Sulfur) in combination with nitrogen on growth, yield components, and yield of durum wheat. Factorial combinations of three blended NPS levels (100, 150, and 200 kg ha-1) each supplemented with five levels of nitrogen (0, 23, 46, 69 and 92 kg ha-1) and control were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicates that the interaction effect of blended NPS and supplemented N significantly (p < 0.05) influenced number of total tillers and total productive tillers per m2 where, highest total tillers (343.3) and productive tillers (306.7) per m2 were recorded at the combination of 150 kg NPS ha-1 and 92 kg N ha-1.However, those left parameters were not significantly influenced by the interaction of the two factors. The analysis of variance showed that the main effect of blended NPS was significantly (p < 0.05) influenced only grain yield and plant height where maximum grain yields (5274 kg ha-1) and plant height (79.59 cm) were obtained at the highest application of 200 NPS kg ha-1. The analysis of variance also showed that the main effect of supplemented N rate highly significantly (p < 0.01) influenced days to physiological maturity, grain filling period, thousand kernels weight, grain yield and harvest index but significantly (p < 0.05) influenced plant height and biomass yield. The highest days to physiological maturity (103 days), grain filling period (46.22 days), thousand kernels weight (50.49 g), plant height (79.49 cm), grain yields (5738 kg ha-1), biomass yields (11728 kg ha-1) and harvest index (48.91%) were recorded at the highest N rate (92 kg N ha-1). The economic analysis revealed that for a treatment to be considered as worthwhile to farmers, application of 100 kg NPS ha-1 with 69 kg N ha-1 were profitable and recommended for farmers in Arsi Nagelle District. Key words: Blended NPS fertilizer, durum wheat, supplemented N, yield components, yield.

Responses of Soybean (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Glycine max&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Varieties to NPS Fertilizer Rates at Bako, Western Ethiopia

Soybean (<i>Glycine max. L</i>) is among the most important legume crops produced in western Ethiopia. However, declining soil fertility and poor soil fertility management practices decrease yields. A field experiment was conducted in Bako Agricultural Research center during 2018 main cropping season to investigate the effect of NPS rates on yield and yield components of soybean varieties and to identify economically feasible rates of blended NPS rate that increase the productivity. Dhidhessa, Ethio-yugoslavia and Wello of soybean varieties and five rates of NPS (0, 50,100,150 and 200 kg ha^-1). The experiment was laid out in arrangement in RCBD with three replications. The highest hundred seed weight (16.9g) was recorded from Ethio-yugoslavia and the lowest (15g) from Wello. Significant effect was exhibited on days to 50% flower, above ground biomass yield and seed yield due to main effects of NPS rate. The highest (55.78) and the lowest (53.78) numbers of days to flowering were recorded due to application of 200 kg NPS ha^-1 and 0 kg NPS ha^-1, respectively. The tallest (81.63cm) and the shortest (65.60 cm) plants were recorded under 200 kg NPS ha^-1 and 0 kg NPS ha^-1, respectively. The highest (8718 kg ha^-1) above ground dry mass was obtained at the highest rate of 200 kg NPS ha^-1 and the lowest (6910 kg ha^-1) was due to 0 kg NPS ha^-1. The highest (2763 kgha^-1) seed yield was recorded from the application of 100 kgha^-1 NPS rate and the lowest (1935kgha^-1) seed yield was recorded from nil application of NPS fertilizer rate. The best combination with high grain yield and economic benefit is 100kgha^-1 NPS fertilizer rate with Didhessa Variety. The major measured parameters contributing for grain yield were above ground biomass, number of pod per plant and no of primary branch per plant. This experiment generally confirmed as 100kgha^-1 NPS for soybean was appropriate. This trial was conducted at strong acid soil, these it is expected as the plants might not have access to use the applied fertilizer and if it was conducted with lime application the responses might be changed. Thus, it can be concluded that combined application of 100 kg ha^-1 of blended NPS with Dhidhessa variety could be used at similar agro ecology. However, since the study was conducted for one season at one location, it has to be repeated over seasons and locations to make a conclusive recommendation.

English

Common bean is one of the most economically important pulse crops cultivated in Ethiopia. However, its average yield reported at national level remains far below the potential yield to be attained. This is partly due to low soil fertility management, inappropriate agronomic packages and diseases and pest problems. Hence, this experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of blended NPS rates on growth, yield and yield components of common bean varieties and to identify economically feasible rates of blended NPS at Guji Zone Southern Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted in Adola sub-site of Bore Agricultural Research Center during 2016 to 2017 main cropping seasons. The factors studied were six rates of blended NPS (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha-1) and three varieties of common bean (Angar, Ibado and Nasir). These were laid out in a factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on phonological, growth yield and yield related parameters were collected and analyzed using SAS software. The result showed that significantly the highest number of primary branches per plant (2.77) and the highest number of total pods (18.52) were recorded at the highest rate of 250 kg NPS ha-1 whereas the highest number of total nodules (80.47) and effective nodules per plant (35.54) were obtained from the application of 200 kg NPS ha-1. Among the varieties, Angar gave significantly the highest number of primary branches per plant (2.55) and number of pods per plant (15.3). The interaction of variety and blended NPS had significant effect on almost all parameters except on the number of total and effective nodules per plant, number of primary branches per plant and number of pods per plant. Variety Nasir gave the highest plant height (99.72 cm) with application of 150 kg NPS ha-1 while Ibado with application rate of 200 kg blended NPS ha-1 had the highest hundred seed weight (54.33 g). The highest grain yield (3260 kg ha-1) was recorded for variety Angar at 250 kg NPS ha-1. However, the highest net benefit (29,825 Birr ha-1) was obtained from combination of variety Ibado with application 200 kg ha-1 of blended NPS. Thus, it can be concluded that combined application of 200 kg ha-1 of blended NPS with variety Ibado proved to be superior with respect to economic advantage. Key words: Blended fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur.

Novel amoxicillin nanoparticles formulated as sustained release delivery system for poultry use.

Amoxicillin is used in the treatment and prevention of a wide range of diseases in poultry breeding. However, its short half-life and low bioavailability restrict its clinical application in these species. Entrapment of drugs into polymeric nanoparticles (nps) presents a means to improve gastrointestinal absorption and oral bioavailability of drugs. This study was aimed to overcome limitation of amoxicillin use in poultry breeding. Amoxicillin was loaded into sodium alginate-polyvinyl alcohol (NaAlg-PVA) blend nps, and characterization of the prepared nps was performed. For pharmacokinetic study, commercial male broilers were used and comparative pharmacokinetics of free and nanoparticle form of amoxicillin were investigated. Twenty-one broilers were divided into three groups. All groups received 10mg/kg drug. Blood samples were collected, and drug plasma concentrations were determined by HPLC. The results demonstrated that the particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity of the nps were 513.96±19.46nm, -45.36±1.35mV, 43.66±3.30, and 12.06±0.83%, respectively. In vitro drug release exhibited a biphasic pattern with an initial burst release of 18% within 2hr followed by a sustained release over 22hr. The pharmacokinetic results showed that amoxicillin nps have higher bioavailability and longer plasma half-life (p<.01) than free amoxicillin. These results indicate that amoxicillin nano formulation is suitable for oral administration in broilers.

Response of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties to Rates of Blended NPS Fertilizer in Adola District, Southern Ethiopia

Response of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties to Rates of Blended NPS Fertilizer in Adola District, Southern Ethiopia

Design of smart GE11-PLGA/PEG-PLGA blend nanoparticulate platforms for parenteral administration of hydrophilic macromolecular drugs: synthesis, preparation and in vitro/ex vivo characterization

Active drug targeting and controlled release of hydrophilic macromolecular drugs represent crucial points in designing efficient polymeric drug delivery nanoplatforms. In the present work EGFR-targeted polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles were made by a blend of two different PLGA-based polymers. The first, GE11-PLGA, in which PLGA was functionalized with GE11, a small peptide and EGFR allosteric ligand, able to give nanoparticles selective targeting features. The second polymer was a PEGylated PLGA (PEG-PLGA) aimed at improving nanoparticles hydrophilicity and stealth features. GE11 and GE11-PLGA were custom synthetized through a simple and inexpensive method. The nanoprecipitation technique was exploited for the preparation of polymeric nanoparticles composed by a 1:1weight ratio between GE11-PLGA and PEG-PLGA, obtaining smart nanoplatforms with proper size for parenteral administration (143.9±5.0nm). In vitro cellular uptake in EGFR-overexpressing cell line (A549) demonstrated an active internalization of GE11-functionalized nanoparticles. GE11-PLGA/PEG-PLGA blend nanoparticles were loaded with Myoglobin, a model hydrophilic macromolecule, reaching a good loading (2.42% respect to the theoretical 4.00% w/w) and a prolonged release over 60days. GE11-PLGA/PEG-PLGA blend nanoparticles showed good in vitro stability for 30days in physiological saline solution at 4°C and for 24h in pH 7.4 or pH 5.0 buffer at 37°C respectively, giving indications about potential storage and administration conditions. Furthermore ex vivo stability study in human plasma using fluorescence Single Particle Tracking (fSPT) assessed good GE11-PLGA/PEG-PLGA nanoparticles dimensional stability after 1 and 4h. Thanks to the versatility in polymeric composition and relative tunable nanoparticles features in terms of drug incorporation and release, GE11-PLGA/PEG-PLGA blend NPs can be considered highly promising as smart nanoparticulate platforms for the treatment of diseases characterized by EGFR overexpression by parenteral administration .