Dose Of Fertilizer Research Articles

Seed Yield and Quality of Wheat as Influenced by Different Agronomic Practices in South-Central Coastal Region (Aez-13) of Bangladesh

A field study was carried out at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Rahmatpur, Barishal during Rabi 2019-2020 on wheat seed yield and quality influenced by different management practices. The experiment was comprised of two sowing dates with seven different agronomic management practices. The experiment was laid out in split plot design where sowing dates were assigned in main plot and different agronomic management practices in sub-plot with three replications. The results revealed that, optimum sowing condition (20th November) always maintain superiority over delayed sown condition (20th December) in respect of seed yield and quality. From agronomic management aspects strip tillage + recommended fertilizer doses+ 3 irrigations showed the best permormance in respect of seed yield (3.433 t/ha) and quality. From interaction effects of sowing date × agronomic management practices using strip tillage + recommended fertilizer doses+ 3 irrigations treatment with optimum sowing condition e.g. 20th November sowing condition performed the best in respect of seed yield (4.223 t/ha) and quality. Another two treatments (Strip tillage + recommended fertilizer dose + Boron foliar spray at anthesis (0.2%) + 2 irrigations (CRI, Booting) + Cowdung) and (Recommended fertilizer dose (NPKSMgZnB@ 120-30-90-15-6-2.6-1 kg/ha) + Boron foliar spray at anthesis (0.2%) + 3 irrigations (CRI, Booting, Grain filling) also produced statistically identical seed yield (4.15 and 4.01 t/ha, respectively). But considering economic point of view, (Recommended fertilizer dose + 0.2% boron foliar spray at anthesis + 3 irrigations) gave the highest BCR (2.46) and economic return. In late seeding condition (20th December) (strip tillage + recommended fertilizer doses+ 3 irrigations) treatment had performed the best in respect of seed yield (2.643 t/ha) and seed quality (germination 67.33%). J. Bio-Sci. 32(2): 01-12, 2024

EFFECT OF IRRIGATION METHODS AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON PRODUCTION AND ECONOMICS OF POTATO UNDER DIFFERENT PRECEDING CROP SEQUENCES IN CENTRAL INDIA

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute-RS, Gwalior, in split-plot design: 3 irrigation methods (main plots) and 5 fertilizer doses in various crop sequences (sub-plots), with four replications. Results revealed that the highest total tuber number (604 thousand/ha) was recorded with dhaincha - potato (75% RDF NPK) which was significantly higher than all other treatments except green gram - potato (75% RDF NPK). Drip irrigation resulted in highest total tuber yield (35.8 t/ha), significantly surpassing other methods. Dhaincha - potato (75% RDF NPK) combination yielded (37.5 t/ha) highest, significantly outperforming others except fallow - potato (50% RDF NPK/ha + 15 t FYM) sequence. Drip irrigation x fallow - potato (50% RDF NPK/ha + 15 t FYM) combination recorded the highest total tuber yield at 40.3 t/ha. Drip irrigation resulted in water-use efficiency of 137 kg/ha-mm and harvest index of 72%, significantly surpassing other methods. Fallow – potato {FYM 7.5 t/ha + crop residue 7.5 t/ha + biofertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB)} sequence recorded highest harvest index 73%, significantly surpassing other treatments. Drip irrigation resulted in highest WUE (137 kg/ha-mm), significantly surpassing other methods. Combination of drip irrigation x fallow – potato (FYM 7.5 t/ha + 50% RDF NPK) sequence recorded highest WUE (155 kg tuber/ha-mm), significantly outperforming other treatments. Dhaincha – potato (75% RDF NPK) sequence resulted in the highest nitrogen content (216 kg/ha), significantly surpassing others. Dhaincha - potato (75% RDF NPK) sequence significantly out performed in tuber nitrogen uptake (77 kg/ha) to other sequences. Combination of drip irrigation x dhaincha - potato (75% RDF NPK) sequence recorded highest N uptake (83 kg/ha). Benefit : cost was highest with drip irrigation (3.1) among irrigation methods and it was highest with dhaincha - potato (75% RDF NPK) sequence (2.99) among crop sequences.

Productivity and Profitability of Diversified Legume-based Cropping Systems in the Indo-gangetic Plains of India as Influenced by Nutrient Management

Background: The continuing adoption of the rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) and indiscriminate use of inorganic fertiliser has led to a decrease in soil fertility, an increase in multiple micronutrient deficiencies, a decrease in the water table and excessive greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the Indo Gangetic Plains. Adoption of crop diversification strategies, including legumes in cropping systems with integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources, could be a viable option for achieving higher fodder tonnage and sustainable crop production in aforesaid ecologies. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the kharif, rabi and summer seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 in a split-plot design comprising four cropping systems (CS) i.e., rice-wheat, rice-berseem, pearl millet-oats-moong bean and maize-cowpea-wheat in main plots; and four nutrient management (NM) practices i.e., 100% RDF (recommended dose of fertiliser), 100% RDF + cow urine (foliar spray), 100% RDF + PGPR (seed treatments) and 75% RDF + cow urine + PGPR were assigned in sub-plots with three replications of each treatment. Result: Investigations revealed that the significantly highest system productivity, net returns and higher nutrient availability were obtained under the rice-berseem cropping system with 100% RDF + PGPR treatment. The magnitude of increment in system productivity of the rice–berseem cropping system was 35.06, 57.87 and 87.29% over rice-wheat, maize-cowpea-wheat and pearl millet-oats-moong bean cropping system, respectively. The legume-based cropping system has strengthened and sustained crop productivity and profitability. The results of the present work confirmed that the adoption of legume-based crop diversification has significantly alleviated the crop yield of dairy-based farming systems.

Integrated Manure and Fertilizer Application: A Pathway to Enhanced Rice Yield and Soil Health

A research study was carried out in the Soil Science field laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the Aman season of 2021 to examine the effect of various manure and fertilizer combinations for optimizing the growth and yield of rice. The experiment employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications across eight treatments. The treatment combinations were: T­1 (Control), T2 (100% Recommended Fertilizer Dose (RFD)), T3 (75% RFD + Cowdung (CD) @ 5 t ha-1), T4 (75% RFD + Poultry manure (PM) @ 3 t ha-1), T5 (75% RFD + Compost @ 5 t ha-1), T6 (75% RFD + Dhaincha Green Manure (GM) @ 10 t ha-1), T7 (50% RFD +CD @ 2.5 t ha-1 + PM @ 1.5 t ha-1) and T8 (50% RFD + Compost @ 2.5 t ha­-1 + Dhaincha GM 5 t ha-1). Statistical analysis conducted using R programming revealed that T6 markedly improved growth metrics and yield-related traits, leading to a 12.2% rise in grain yield and a 13.24% rise in straw yield compared to T2, where only chemical fertilizers were applied. This treatment also achieved the greatest macronutrient content and uptake, outperforming other treatments (T3, T4, and T5) with equal nutrient amounts. Therefore, application of 75% recommended fertilizer dose along with dhaincha green manure (10 t ha-1) offers a promising strategy for successfully cultivating BRRI dhan71 with a good soil health. This approach offers farmers a cost-effective method to boost productivity and support long-term soil fertility, and policymakers could promote it to enhance agricultural sustainability.

APLIKASI PUPUK VERMIKOMPOS DAN POC URIN SAPI TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN TOMAT (Solanum lycopersicum)

This study aimed to determine the effect of vermicompost fertilizer dose and concentration of cow urine Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) on the growth and yield of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). This research was an experimental study conducted from March to May 2024. The experimental design used in this study was a factorial Randomised Group Design (RGD) consisting of two factors. The first factor was the dose of vermicompost fertilizer, which consisted of 4 levels, including 0 g/plant, 35 g/plant, 45 g/plant, and 55 g/plant. The second factor was the cow urine concentration LOF, which consisted of four levels: 0 ml/l, 30 ml/l, 60 ml/l, and 90 ml/l. The results showed that the treatment with a vermicompost fertilizer dose of 45 g/plant had the best effect on the parameters of plant height at 4 weeks (79.16 cm), 5 weeks (94.58 cm), and 6 weeks (117.08 cm), and stem diameter at 4 weeks (6.00 mm), 5 weeks (7.01 mm), and 6 weeks (7.94 mm). The concentration of cow urine LOF at 60 ml/l had the best effect on the parameters of plant height at 4 weeks (78.50 cm), 5 weeks (95.66 cm), and 6 weeks (116.25 cm), the number of fruits per plant (12.83 fruits), and fruit weight per plant (474.75 g). There was an interaction between the treatment of vermicompost fertilizer dose and concentration of cow urine, with a combination of 45 g/plant of vermicompost and 60 ml/l cow urine having the best effect on the parameter of plant height 6 weeks after planting (123.33 cm).

Feasibility of organic fertilizer from poultry waste

All plant cultivation depends on good fertilization, be it chemical or organic. The general aim of this work is to assess the viability of organic fertilizer made from poultry waste. Its specific objectives are to characterize the chemical and physical properties of organic fertilizer from poultry waste, formulate doses of organic fertilizer from poultry waste, draft a technical scientific methodology for the use of organic fertilizer from poultry waste, propose a technical recommendation on the use of organic fertilizer from poultry waste and create a technical scientific protocol on the use of organic fertilizer from poultry waste. The data collected was submitted to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the F test (P≤0.05), and regression analysis (P≤0.05) was carried out for the doses of organic fertilizer from poultry waste, with the choice of mathematical models based on the coefficient of determination (R2). The results show that the dose of 310 grams of organic material per square meter of soil (100% of the recommended dose) provides the best results.

Enhancing soil fertility, inorganic fertilizer efficiency, and oil palm productivity through bio-compost application in oxium biodegradable sacks on former mining land-podzols: Insights from a field study in Indonesia

Sandy podzolic soils, prevalent on former mining lands, present significant agricultural challenges due to their coarse texture, depth, acidity, and low fertility. This study evaluated the impact of bio-compost fertilizer, delivered in biodegradable oxium sacks, on soil quality and oil palm productivity in these soils. Conducted over 12 months in a 4-year-old oil palm plantation in East Belitung Regency, Indonesia, the research compared various combinations of bio-compost and inorganic fertilizers with a control group. The findings revealed that the integration of bio-compost with reduced doses of inorganic fertilizers markedly improved soil quality and decreased dependence on chemical inputs. Specifically, applying 50 kg or 75 kg of bio-compost per palm along with 50 % or 75 % of the standard inorganic fertilizer dose was particularly effective. This approach increased oil palm productivity to 14.50–15.87 tons per hectare per year. The method provides a sustainable solution for the palm oil industry and small farmers, improving soil fertility and productivity in degraded podzolic soils. The use of oxium biodegradable sacks allowed for a gradual release of nutrients. Future research should further explore the potential of bio-compost as a soil conditioner and its long-term environmental impacts across various soil types.

The Effect of Mycorrhiza and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Supplementation on Zea mays saccharata Sturt. Growth and Productivity Grown on Low Nutrients Soil

Marginal land has low nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). Addressing nutrient deficiencies on marginal land requires a strategic approach. Biological fertilizers like Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance nutrient availability through symbiotic interactions. In addition, organic fertilizers such as compost could provide organic matter and improve soil structure to increase plant growth and productivity. Combining these three fertilizers with the addition of low doses of NPK fertilizer can increase the growth and productivity of maize crops on sub-marginal land. This study aims to determine the effect of AMF, consortium of PGPR, and a low dose of NPK on the growth and productivity of maize and soil nutrients on sub-marginal land by measuring plant growth up to 8 WAP (week after planting) (parameters: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, chlorophyll content, stomatal density) and productivity (parameters: cob length, cob weight with husk, fresh weight, dry weight) and levels of N, P, and K elements at 8 WAP in the soil after planting. All treatments showed an increase in the level of N and K elements, while the P element showed a decrease compared to the control (soil without treatment). Moreover, each parameter did not show a significant difference, but the P2 (Compost + PGPR consortium + AMF + 50% of NPK) treatment showed the best growth and productivity. Overall, the data showed the utilization of PGPR and AMF combination was able to reduce the usage of chemical fertilizer by 50%.

Optimizing the Growth and Yield of Kale (Brassica oleracea Var. Acephala) by providing Eggshell Liquid Fertilizer and Water Hyacinth Bokashi

This study investigated the optimal concentration of liquid organic fertilizer from chicken eggshells and the effective dose of water hyacinth bokashi for enhancing kale (Brassica oleracea var. Acephala) growth and yield. Conducted in Bontomanai Village, Bungaya Subdistrict, Gowa Regency, the research utilized a factorial randomized block design with two factors: concentration of liquid fertilizer (0 ml, 100 ml/L, 300 ml/L) and bokashi dose (0 kg, 1 kg, 2 kg). The study included 9 treatment combinations, each replicated 3 times, resulting in 27 experimental units. Key parameters measured were plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight per plant, fresh weight per plot, consumable weight per plot, root weight per plot, and yield per hectare. Findings revealed that neither the interaction of liquid fertilizer concentration and bokashi dose nor their individual effects significantly influenced kale growth or yield. The concentration of 100 ml/L liquid fertilizer produced the highest number of leaves (23.29), fresh weight per plant (73.67 g), and yield per hectare (5.50 tons). The 2 kg/plot bokashi dose resulted in the highest number of leaves (23.81), fresh weight per plant (72.98 g), and yield per hectare (5.60 tons).

Economic impact of soil health card on utilization doses of fertilizer in cotton cultivation

Economic impact of soil health card on utilization doses of fertilizer in cotton cultivation

Application of Jarwo Planting System and Fertiphos Fertilizer on The Growth and Yield of Black Rice Mutant M4

This study aims to examine the interaction between the dose of Fertiphos fertilizer and the JARWO (JARWO) planting pattern on the growth and yield of black rice mutant rice. The experiment was conducted in Jorong Labuah, Agam Regency, and the Seed Science and Technology Laboratory, Andalas University, Padang, from February to June 2024. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors was used, namely the JARWO planting system (2:1, 3:1, 4:1) and the dose of Fertiphos fertilizer (0 kg/ha, 100 kg/ha, 200 kg/ha, 300 kg/ha). Data were analyzed using the F test at the 5% level, followed by Duncan's New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) if significant. The results showed a significant interaction between the dose of Fertiphos fertilizer and the JARWO planting pattern on the growth and yield of black rice mutant rice. Fertiphos fertilizer dose of 200 kg/ha gave the best results on the total number of grains per panicle, the number of filled grains per panicle, the total weight of grains per panicle, and the weight of filled grains per clump. The JARWO 2:1 planting pattern gave the best results on the total number of tillers, the total number of grains per panicle, the number of filled grains per panicle, and the total weight of grains per panicle.

Productivity of spring barley at different seeding rates and doses of fertilizers

In the forest-steppe of the Euro-North-East of the Russian Federation (The Republic of Mordovia), the research has been carried out to optimize methods for cultivating spring barley of the Zazersky 85 cultivar, which allow to increase yield and improve grain quality. The experiment was carried out in 2020–2022 on leached medium-humic heavy loamy chernozem. There were studied seeding rates (4.5; 5.0; 5.5 million germinating seeds/ha) and doses of fertilizers (Ν0Р0К0; Ν32Р32К32 – before sowing (background); background + Ν30-60-90 – in top dressing). It has been established that increasing the seeding rate from 4.5–5.0 to 5.5 million significantly reduced the barley grain yield by 0.61–0.70 t/ha, respectively, on average over the years of the research. The crop yield increased significantly under the influence of mineral fertilizers – by 1.62–3.42 t/ha compared to the control (2.68 t/ha). In general, the highest grain yield (6.29–6.47 t/ha) was obtained when sowing barley at rates of 4.5 and 5.0 million germinated seeds/ha by the application of Ν32P32K32 before sowing and Ν60-90 as a top dressing in the tillering phase. Under the influence of fertilizers, the quality parameters of grain changed: the grain unit increased by 15–33 g/l, the weight of 1000 grains – by 0.63–1.53 g, the protein content – up to 13.2 %; the film content decreased by 0.3–0.7 abs.%. The highest grain uniformity (93.0–94.8 %) was observed at the seeding rate of 4.5 and 5.0 million germinated seeds/ha in the variants with nitrogen fertilizers (Ν60-90) against the background of Ν32P32K32. The highest profitability of grain production of the Zazersky 85 barley cultivar (103,18 %) was obtained at the seeding rate of 4.5 million germinated seeds per 1 ha with the application of Ν32P32K32 before sowing and N60 as a top dressing in the tillering phase.

Anatomical responses of roots and yield of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) to K fertilization doses

Anatomical responses of roots and yield of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) to K fertilization doses

Respons pertumbuhan tanaman secang (Caesalpinia sappan L.) terhadap dosis pupuk kandang sapi

Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) is a plant that contains the compound brazilin, which is found in the pith of its stem. The pith of the sappan wood stem can be used as a raw material for traditional medicine or as a dye with red pigment. Currently, there are no procedures or guidelines for cultivating techniques for sappan wood plants. Each annual plant requires a certain amount of organic material at the beginning of planting to support its growth. The organic material commonly used is manure, one of which is cow manure. This research aims to determine the effect of cow manure dosage on the growth of sappan plants. The experiment was conducted from March 2023 to December 2023 at Ciparanje Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran. The method used is experimental by design Randomized Block Design consisting of three treatments namely, it was repeated six times: 1 kg cow manure/plant, 2 kg cow manure/plant, and 3 kg cow manure/plant. The experimental results showed that treatment with 2 kg cow manure/plant had the best effect on plant height at 5,6,7,8, and 9 months after treatment (MAT) and the number of leaves at 5 and 9 MAT. There has been no response in plant diameter to the dose of cow manure fertilizer

Biochar in conjunction with reduced doses of mineral fertilizers increased yield attributes and yield of rice (cv. BRRI dhan29)

Biochar in conjunction with reduced doses of mineral fertilizers increased yield attributes and yield of rice (cv. BRRI dhan29)

PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OF Physalis peruviana FRUIT APPLYING DIFFERENT DOSES OF SIMPLE SUPERPHOSPHATE IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

The present study aimed to investigate and determine the most relevant fertilization levels of Simple Superphosphate to increase fruit production and improve fruit quality for fresh consumption. The experiment was conducted at the EPAMIG Experimental Field in Lambarí, Minas Gerais, from September 2021 to November 2022. Five fertilization levels were tested: 150 grams/plot, 300 grams/plot, 600 grams/plot, and 1200 grams/plot, along with a control group (no fertilization). A significant increase in fruit production was observed at the higher dose (1200 grams/plot) compared to the control, representing a 54.06% increase in fruit production. Additionally, the total fresh biomass production increased by 19.43%, the number of primary and secondary branches per plant increased by 48.99%, the branch length increased by 4.26%, and the canopy diameter increased by 6.83% when compared to the control. All these characteristics were significantly different at the 95% confidence level according to the Scott-Knott test. We concluded that 300 grams/plot was the best fertilization dose to achieve higher production and acceptable quality.

Biomass Partitioning, Carbon Storage, and Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Crop Production under a Grewia optiva-Based Agroforestry System in the Mid-Hills of the Northwestern Himalayas

A well-designed tree-based culture provides multiple benefits, aiding in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG13 (climate action), and SDG15 (life on land). A split-plot field experiment near Solan, Himachal Pradesh, tested the following Grewia optiva tree spacings as main plots: S1 10 m × 1 m, S2 10 m × 2 m, S3 10 m × 3 m, and sole cropping (S0—Open) of pea (Pisum sativum L.). Pea cultivation included the following six fertilizer treatments as subplots: control (no application), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), Jeevamrut, FYM + VC, and the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDFs), each replicated three times. The results indicated that the leaves, branches, total biomass, carbon density, and carbon sequestration rate of G. optiva alleys at 10 m × 1 m were greater than those at the other spacings. However, peas intercropped at 10 m × 3 m produced the highest yield (5.72 t ha−1). Compared with monocropping, G. optiva-based agroforestry significantly improved soil properties. Among fertilizers, FYM had the highest yield (6.04 t ha−1) and improved soil health. The most lucrative practice was the use of peas under a 10 m × 1 m spacing with FYM, with economic gains of 2046.1 USD ha−1. This study suggests integrating pea intercropping with G. optiva at broader spacing (10 m × 3 m) and using FYM for optimal carbon sequestration, soil health, and economic returns, and this approach is recommended for the region’s agroecosystems.

Advancing Redgram Productivity: Impact of Cluster Front Line Demonstrations in Wanaparthy District, Telangana, India

This study aimed to assess the productivity improvement of redgram under Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLD) in Wanaparthy district in the operational area of YFA-KVK, Mahabubnagar-I. A total of 261 demonstrations were conducted over a seven-year period (2016-17 to 2022-23), covering 104.4 hectares during the kharif season under rainfed situation with protected irrigation. Results showed that with the introduction of improved high yielding short duration varieties -PRG176 and WRGE 97 when combined with seed treatment, recommended fertilizer doses, weed management, and plant protection, achieved an increase in average yield of 10.20 quintals per hectare, compared to 6.23 quintals per hectare with traditional farmers’ practices. Net returns averaged ₹35000 from CFLD demonstrations, significantly higher than the ₹14,230 from conventional methods, though variations were influenced by the Minimum Support Price (MSP) set by the Government of India. The study identified an average extension gap of 3.98 quintals per hectare between the demonstrated technology and traditional practices, with an average technology gap of 14.80 quintals per hectare across the years. This gap varied annually due to the performance of recommended varieties and interventions. The technology index correlated with the technology gaps. The findings suggest that redgram production can be significantly improved through the adoption of improved technologies via CFLD. Therefore, it is crucial to spread these improved technologies among farmers using effective extension methods such as awareness camps, farmers-scientist interactions, group discussions, trainings, demonstrations, field days, and exposure visits through CFLD.

RESPON PRODUKSI TANAMAN BAWANG MERAH (Allium ascalonicum L.) TERHADAP BOKASHI KOTORAN SAPI DAN PUPUK ROCK FOSFAT PADA MEDIA GAMBUT

The development of shallot cultivation in Riau needs to be done by optimizing peatlands. However, problems such as low pH and low nutrient availability need to be addressed. The use of cow manure bokashi can increase the availability of soil nutrients and the addition of P fertilizer from rock phosphate is expected to increase the availability of P in peat soil. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of cow manure bokashi and rock phosphate fertilizer in increasing the production of shallot plants in peat media. This research was carried out at the UIR Experimental Garden, Pekanbaru, from September to December 2022. The materials used in this study were Brebes shallot seedlings, cow manure bokashi, rock phosphate, urea, KCl. The tools used in the research included hoes, tape measure, cutter knife, analytical scales, camera and stationery. The research method used a Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The first factor was the dose of cow manure bokashi with 4 treatment levels: without cow manure bokashi, 40, 80 and 120 g/polybag Bokashi cow manure. The second factor was the dose of rock phosphate fertilizer with 4 treatment levels: 0, 0.8 g/polybag, 1.6, 2.4 g/polybag. Each experimental unit was repeated 3 times. Observational data were analyzed statistically and further tested for HSD the 5% level. Application of cow manure bokashi with rock phosphate can increase shallot production. Application of cow manure bokashi 80 g/polybag with rock phosphate dose of 2.4 g/polybag increased the wet and dry shallot bulb weight.

Optimum Seeding and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Maximizing Yield and Sustaining Rain-Fed Lowland Rice (<i>Oryza Sativa </i>L.) in Fogera Plain North-western Ethiopia

Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) is increasingly becoming an important food crop in Ethiopia. However, the average rice productivity in Ethiopia is estimated at 2.8 t ha<sup>-1</sup> which is much lower than the world average, 4.6 t ha<sup>-1</sup>. Its productivity is challenged due to a lack of appropriate and location-specific agronomic practices like the application of optimum doses of nitrogen fertilizer and the use of optimum seeding rates. Thus, a field experiment was conducted in Fogera district in South Gondar Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia during the 2021 main cropping season to determine the optimum dose of N level and seeding rate. The treatments comprised factorial combinations of four levels of N (134, 184, 234 and 284 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) and four different seeding rates (60, 80, 100, and 120 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. All data on phenology, vegetative growth yield and yield-related parameters were collected and measured following scientific standards of each parameter. Those data were subjected to analysis of variance using the general linear model (GLM) procedures of SAS 9.0 version system. Economic analysis was also carried out by following CIMMYT partial budget analysis procedures. The analysis result showed the main effects of both, different levels of nitrogen and different rate of seeding, and their interactions showed highly significant effect on the number of both total and effective tillers, grain filling, panicle length, phonological parameters, totals spikelet’s, thousands seed weight, grain yield, biological yield and straw yield. Application of 184 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup> level with a seeding rate 100 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> gave the maximum grain yield (6,641 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>), the highest number of effective tillers per m<sup>2</sup> (792) and filled grains per panicle (95.34). Furthermore, the highest net return of ETB 118,850 with acceptable marginal rate of return (2,313%) was also obtained from the application of 184 kg N ha-<sup>1</sup> level and a seeding rate 100 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>. From the current research experiment, it is possible to conclude that increasing seeding rate beyond 100 kg ha<sup>-1 </sup>and N above 184 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup> is not economical yield of rice <i>“Selam’’ </i>variety in the study area. Rather, use of 184 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup> and seeding rate of 100 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> is promising for Lowland Rice (<i>Selam</i>) variety production under the rain fed condition in Fogera Plains and similar agro-ecologies of rain-fed growing area of Ethiopia for better economic and agronomic advantage.