Ha-1 Fertilizer Research Articles

Impact of nutrient omission technique on the formation of a simple hybrid of corn (Zea mays L.)

Due to the scarcity of information in Ecuador on the effect of nutrient omission in the fertilization of parents for the formation of a new maize hybrid, this research aimed to evaluate the impact of nutrient omission on the formation of a maize hybrid and its seed yield. The study was carried out at the Estación Experimental Tropical Pichilingue (EETP) del Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIAP), Los Ríos province, Ecuador. Six omission treatments were established -N, -P, -K, -Mg, -S, -B, complete fertilization (N, P, K, Mg, S, B), a treatment based on the application of a farmer and control. A randomized complete block design was used and the averages were differentiated using Tukey’s test. The variables evaluated were: plant height (m), ear height (m), days to flowering, cob length (cm), cob diameter (mm), 100 seed weight (g), percentage of rotten ears, stem diameter (mm), stem and root lodging, chlorophyll levels, yield, partial productivity factor, agronomic efficiency and nutrient harvest index. The results obtained showed that the highest yield was obtained with the omission of the B (2,093 kg ha-1) fertilization plan causing a decrease of up to 42.02% in the partial productivity factor (PPF) and 425.14% of agronomic efficiency (AE) of the studied elements. Since the nutritional priorities of the parents of the corn hybrid had the sequence Mg>N>K=P>S>>B.

Remote estimation of leaf nitrogen content, leaf area, and berry yield in wild blueberries

Nitrogen (N) fertilization is a major management requirement for wild blueberry fields. Its presence and estimation can be difficult given the perennial and heterogeneous nature of the plant, low N requirement, and residual N effects, resulting in the frequent over-application of N, excessive canopy growth, and resulting reduction in berry yields. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate nitrogen content and growth parameters using remote sensing approaches. Three trials were established in three commercial fields in Nova Scotia, Canada. An RCBD with 5 replicates and a plot size of 6 × 8 m with a 2 m buffer was used. Treatments consisted of 0, 20, 40, 60, and 100 kg N ha-1 of fertilizer. Using a DJI Matrice 300 UAV mounted with an RGB and a multispectral camera, aerial measurements were collected at 30 m altitude. Several field measurements including leaf nitrogen content (LNC), leaf area, floral bud numbers, stem height, and yield were conducted. Several vegetation indices (VIs) were computed for each plot, and correlation and regression analyses were conducted. Results indicated that treatments with high nitrogen rates had correspondingly high LAI measurements with the 60 kg ha-1 rate achieving the best growth parameters compared to the other treatments. LNC, LAI, and berry yield estimations using VIs [green leaf index (GLI), green red vegetation index (GRVI), and visible atmospheric red index (VARI)] produced significantly positive R2 values of 0.43, 0.48, and 0.30 respectively. Results from this study illustrated the potential of using VIs to estimate LNC, LAI, and berry yield parameters. It was established that the near-infrared VIs are the most effective in estimating differences in nitrogen rates, making them suitable for use in prescription maps for N fertilization applications.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer and Earthing Up Practices in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia

To increase groundnut yields, integrated agronomic techniques must be implemented. The current study focuses on using starter nitrogen fertilizer in conjunction with earthing up for groundnut cultivation. Three replications and a factorial combination were used in the complete randomized block design of the experiment. Two types of earthing up (no earthing up and earthing up) and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 15, 30, and 45 kg ha-1) were used in the treatment combinations. For each of the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 experimental sites, two undisturbed and two disturbed composite soil samples were collected at a depth of 20 cm before sowing. The data analysis showed that neither the combination application of N fertilizer and earthing up nor the individual independent applications of N fertilizer and earthing up had a significant effect on groundnut flowering and maturity. Groundnut plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, and haulm yields were not significantly affected by earthing up alone or by the co-application of nitrogen fertilizer and earthing up. On the other hand, the exclusive use of nitrogen fertilizer significantly affected groundnut plant height, the number of branches per plant, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, and haulm yield. Applying 45 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer to the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 trial sites enhanced the haulm yield by 70.53% and 78.76%, respectively, compared to the unfertilized plots. Individual applications of nitrogen fertilizer, earthing up, or a combination of both had a significant effect on groundnut pod and kernel yields. In comparison to plots that received a combined application of 45 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer and earthing up, the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 trial sites exhibited increases in pod yields of 57.73% and 55.97%, respectively, when earthing up was combined with 15 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer. In the same way, applying 15 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer to the earthing-up soil in the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 experimental sites boosted the kernel yields by 70.05% and 75.43%, respectively, in comparison to soil earthing-up plots that received 45 kg ha-1 nitrogen. The findings of the economic and agronomic analyses showed that applying nitrogen fertilizer and earthing up together greatly increases groundnut yields and revenues. Therefore, to increase groundnut yields and receive more financial advantages, farmers can consider the combined application of 15 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer and earthing-up.

Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers on Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Under The Climatic Conditions of Takhar Province

The experiment was carried out in the research farm of Agriculture Faculty, Takhar University under the title of the effect of nitrogen fertilizer with different amounts of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers on cucumber yield under the climatic conditions of Takhar Province, Afghanistan. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and four treatments. Treatments T1 without of any fertilizer, T2 nitrogen 80 kg ha-1, phosphorus fertilizer 100 kg ha-1, and potassium fertilizer 85 kg ha-1. T3 nitrogen fertilizer 80 kg ha-1, phosphorus fertilizer 120 kg ha-1 and potassium fertilizer 95 kg ha-1. T4 nitrogen fertilizer 80 kg ha-1, phosphorus fertilizer 140 kg ha-1 and potassium fertilizer 105 kg ha-1. In the order of information related to fruit length, fruit diameter, weight per fruit, weight per plant, fruit yield per hectare in tons was registered. The maximum fruit length (19.39 cm), fruit diameter (4.80 cm), weight per fruit (184.87 gr), fruit weight per plant (2.86 kg) and performance per hectare (61.37 tons) in T4 with nitrogen fertilizer 80 kg ha-1, phosphorus fertilizer 140 kg ha-1 and potassium fertilizer 105 kg ha-1 were found, while the lowest recorded data was from T1 i.e. control. From this experiment, it can be said that the use of NPK fertilizer with the use of 80 kg of nitrogen fertilizer ha-1, 140 kg of phosphorus fertilizer ha-1 and 105 kg of potassium fertilizer ha-1 for cucumber cultivation caused better growth and performance in the field of Takhar University.

Optimum Determination of NPSB Fertilizer Rates on Bread Wheat (Triticum asetivum L.) Varieties

The field experiment was conducted at Degam district during main cropping season to investigate the response of bread wheat varieties to NPSB fertilizer rates and identify its economic benefit. Factorial combination of three improved bread wheat varieties (Danda’a, Hidase and Kakaba) and six fertilizer rates [Control, 50, 100, 150, 200 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer each supplemented with 92 kg N ha-1 and 64/20 kg NP ha-1 (Blanket recommendation) were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The highest NKS (54.9), AGBM (13.8 tons ha-1), SY (9.4 tons ha-1) and GY (4549kg ha-1) were recorded from 200 kg NPSB fertilizer. Among the varieties the highest NKS (54.3) from Danda’a, TKW (49.3 g) and GY (3351kg ha-1) were recorded from Hidase variety. Variety Kakaba score the highest PH (102.5 cm) and PNT (5 per plant) with combination of 200 kg and 150 kg NPSB fertilizer respectively and reached days to heading and maturity earlier than Danda’a and Hidase. In general, the economic feasibility of the fertilizer over varieties combination indicated that application of 200 kg NPSB ha-1to all varieties Hidase, Danda’a and Kakaba resulted in maximum marginal rates of return 640.14 %, 604.81% and 481.47%, with a net benefit of 97993, 88596, and 82996 ETB respectively. Although, application of 200 kg NPSB ha-1 led to the highest MRR for the Hidase variety as compared to all other treatments and with about a total of 9397 ETB net benefit increment. Therefore, application of 200 kg of NPSB in supplement of 92 kg N ha-1 fertilizer with Hidase variety was the best producing economically profitable with acceptable grain yield.

THE EFFECT OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS ON THE QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE TRAITS OF OREGANO (Origanum vulgare L) PLANT

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of NPK fertilizer on oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) plant for two years (2017 and 2018). Various levels of nitrogen (0, 50 and 100 kg ha-1), potash (0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1), and phosphorus (0 and 30 kg ha-1) fertilizers were applied. The results revealed that the use of NPK fertilizers significantly increased the dry weight of the oregano plant's aerial parts (leaves, inflorescences, and whole aerial parts). In the first year, the dry weight of the whole shoot increased by 82 to 124 g m-2, and in the second year, it increased by 82 to 129 g m-2. Moreover, regarding essential oil concentration, this parameter in inflorescence ranged from 2.38% to 3.66% in the first year, while in the second year, it ranged from 3.02% to 4.14%. Notably, the inflorescence had a higher essential oil concentration compared to the leaves. The study also found that the use of NPK fertilizer at a ratio of 100:20:40 kg ha-1resulted in the highest percentage of essential oil in the aerial. Conversely, the control treatment led to a decrease in essential oil yield. Among the essential oil compounds, Carvacrol and p-Cymene were the predominant components, with concentrations ranging from 49.36% to 60.32% and 2.03% to 4.56%, respectively, in various oregano plant organs. Keywords: Dry weight, Essential oil, Inflorescence, Oregano, Nitrogen.

THE EFFECT OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER AND NITROPOSKA ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF PEANUT ON ULTISOL SOIL

The aim of the research was to study the effect of organic fertilizer and Nitrophoska on the growth and yield of peanuts on ultisol soils. The study was conducted in the Labibia sub district, Kendari city, from January to April 2023. The study was arranged in a randomized block design (RAK) in a factorial pattern with three replications consisting of 2 factors. The first factor was organic fertilizer which consisted of 4 levels, namely: control (B0), 5 t ha-1 (B1), 10 t ha-1 (B2), and 15 t ha-1 (B3). The second factor was Nitrophoska fertilizer which consisted of 3 levels, namely control (P0), 75 kg ha-1 (P1), and 150 kg ha-1 (P2) so that there were 4x3x3=36 experimental units. Observation variables included: plant height, leaf area, weight of 100 seeds, yield per plot and yield per ha. The results showed that there was an interaction between organic fertilizer and Nitrophoska on the observed variables. The best results were obtained in the treatment of 15 t ha-1 of organic fertilizer and 150 kg ha-1 of Nitrophoska fertilizer with the highest production reaching 0.93 t ha-1.

Agro Morphological Trait and Yield Component Evaluation of Malt Barley (Hordeum Distichon L.) Varieties Response to the Rate of Fertilizer in Habro Woreda West Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

The study assessed the effects of NPSB Fertilizer Rate on Yield and morphological traits of Malt barley Varieties. The experiment used a Randomized Complete Block Design with three varieties and five levels of fertilizer rates. The effects of NPSB fertilizer rate and varieties were highly significant on all yield components; phenology and morphological traits. The highest number of kernels per spike (29.5), above ground biomass (12.0 tha-1), and straw yield (6.4 tha-1) were obtained from 200kg NPSB ha-1 , while highest the thousand grain weights (48.2g) were obtained from 150kg NPSB ha-1. The interaction effects of varieties and fertilizer rates were significant at p<0.05 on grain yield (5653.3) from the Traveller variety at 150 kg NPSB ha-1 fertilizer rates. The analysis of variance showed that the interaction effects of varieties and fertilizer rates were significant at p<0.05 on Hectoliter (69.133) from the Traveller variety at 150 kg NPSB ha-1 fertilizer rates. Finally, from the above result, it can be concluded that using 150 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer with Traveller variety can be recommended for malt barley production in the study area.

Regulation of photoassimilate transportation and nitrogen uptake to decrease greenhouse gas emissions in ratooning rice with higher economic return by optimized nitrogen supplies

Mechanized harvesting of the main crop rice, with low stubble height in rice ratooning is scaling up, especially in Southeast China with a higher population density and less cultivated land. Currently, the common nitrogen fertilization for ratoon rice is concentrated within 20 days before and after the harvest of the main crop. However, this fertilization pattern may not be suitable for low stubble regenerative rice due to its extended growth period, leading to diminished nitrogen utilization efficiency and heightened greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. It is imperative to explore a nitrogen fertilizer management model for clean production of low stubble ratoon rice (RR). In this study, we examined the effects of nitrogen fertilizer application rates and methods (single or split application) on yield and greenhouse gas emissions during the regrowth season. We employed a multi-criteria assessment approach combined with field measurements, energy analysis, environmental assessment, and economic evaluation on ratoon rice under various nitrogen fertilizer treatments. The results showed that the ratoon rice produced the highest total energy output under 67.5 N+22.5 N (Fertilize with 67.5 kg nitrogen ha−1 and 22.5 kg nitrogen ha−1 3 days after main season rice harvesting and during the heading stage of ratoon rice) treatment compared to the 90 N+0 N (conventional fertilization, apply 90 kg nitrogen ha−1 fertilizer 3 days after harvesting at once) treatment. It was also found that reducing nitrogen application during the tillering stage reduced CH4 emissions, fertilization during the heading stage of the ratoon rice did not increase CH4 emissions, Since fertilization during the heading stage of ratoon rice did not lead to an increase in the partitioning of photoassimilates (photosynthetic product assimilates) to the rhizosphere soil, significant differences in sugar and acetic acid levels were not observed in the rhizosphere soil. As a result, no change was found in the expression of the methanogenic mcrA gene in the microbial community. The study also demonstrated that the 67.5 N+22.5 N treatment was able to promote the absorption of nitrogen nutrients, reduction in N2O emissions by 16.61%, subsequently increasing resource use efficiency, final yield and net ecosystem economic benefit by 5.96%, 7.19% and 5.57%, respectively, thereby decreasing carbon and nitrogen footprints by 6.64% and 3.50% compared with the 90 N+0 N treatment in the ratoon rice. These results suggest that a reasonable ratoon rice cultivation scheme is a promising farming system that can simultaneously improve resource use efficiency and economic profits, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental footprint, while still maintaining the high productivity in ratoon rice.

Evaluation of the Productivity and Potential Utilization of Artemisia dubia Plant Biomass for Energy Conversion.

Field studies with the large-stemmed plant Artemisia dubia (A. dubia) have been carried out at the Vėžaičiai Branch of LAMMC since 2018. According to three years of experimental results, annual dry matter (DM) yield varied from 7.94 to 10.14 t ha-1. Growing conditions, nitrogen application level, and harvesting time had statistically significant impacts on A. dubia productivity. The most important tasks of this article were to investigate and determine the factors influencing A. dubia plant biomass productivity and the evaluation of technological, power, and environmental parameters of plant biomass utilization for energy conversion and the production of high-quality solid biofuel pellets. For the experiments, six variants of A. dubia samples were used, which were grown in 2021. Plants were cut three times and two fertilization options were used: (1) no fertilization and (2) fertilization with 180 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer. These harvested plants were chopped, milled, and pressed into pellets. The physical-mechanical characteristics (moisture content, density, and strength) of the A. dubia pellets were investigated. During this study, it was found that the density in the dry mass (DM) of the pellets ranged from 1119.86 to 1192.44 kg m-3. The pellet moisture content ranged from 8.80 to 10.49%. After testing pellet strength, it was found that the pellets which were made from plant biomass PK-1-1 (first harvest without N fertilization) were the most resistant to compression, and they withstood 560.36 N of pressure. The dry fuel lower heating value (LHV) of the pellets was sufficiently high and was very close to that of the pine sawdust pellets; it varied from 17.46 ± 0.25 MJ kg-1 to 18.14 ± 0.28 MJ kg-1. The ash content of the burned pellets ranged from 3.62 ± 0.02% to 6.47 ± 0.09%. Emissions of harmful pollutants-CO2, CO, NOx, and unburnt hydrocarbons (CxHy)-did not exceed the maximum permissible levels. Summarizing the results for the investigated properties of the combustion and emissions of the A. dubia pellets, it can be concluded that this biofuel can be used for the production of pressed biofuel, and it is characterized by sufficiently high quality, efficient combustion, and permissible emissions to the environment.

Determining the Profitability of Different NPSB and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Attributes of SweetPotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) in the Midland Areas of Guji Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

Sweet potato is a crucial crop for food security and income generation. Sweet potato vine length, number of stems, average number of roots per plant, average root weight, marketable root yield, non-marketable root yield, and total sweet potato root yield were determined by the NPSB and nitrogen fertilizer application rates (p<0.01). Using the right fertilizer recommendations can improve crop growth and yield while minimizing resource use. Both NPSB and Nitrogen fertilizer rates had a highly significant impact on root number, root weight, marketable root yield, unmarketable root yield, and total root yield. The combination of 100 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer and 69 kg ha-1 of Nitrogen fertilizer gave the highest marketable root yield (553.09 qt ha-1). The treatment with 100 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer and 46 kg ha-1 Nitrogen fertilizer demonstrated the best result in terms of marginal rate of returns, with a marginal revenue of 17872%. To optimize sweet potato productivity in the Adola rede region, it is recommended to apply 100 kg ha-1 NPSB and 46 kg ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer. In general, cultivation in the Adola rede region can be optimized by applying a combination of 100 kg ha-1 of NPSB fertilizer and 46 kg ha-1 of nitrogen, resulting in improved plant growth and marketability, higher root yields and cost efficiency.

Optimization of irrigation and fertilization of apples under magnetoelectric water irrigation in extremely arid areas.

Apple (Malus pumila Mill.) is one of the important economic crops in the arid areas of Xinjiang, China. For a long time, there has been a problem of high consumption but low yield in water and fertilizer management, prevent improvements in apple quality and yield. In this study, 5-year-old 'Royal Gala' apple trees in extremely arid areas of Xinjiang were used as experimental materials to carry out field experiments. considering 5 irrigation levels (W1, 30 mm; W2, 425 mm; W3, 550 mm; W4, 675 mm; W5, 800 mm) and 5 fertilization levels (F1, 280 kg·ha-1; F2, 360 kg·ha-1; F3, 440 kg·ha-1; F4, 520 kg·ha-1; F5, 600 kg·ha-1) under magnetoelectric water irrigation conditions. The results demonstrated that magnetoelectric water combined with the application of 675 mm irrigation amount and 520 kg·ha-1 fertilization amount was the most effective combination. These results occurred by increasing net photosynthetic rate of apple leaves, improved the quality of apples, increased apple yield, and promoted the improvement of water and fertilizer use efficiency. Additionally, the quadratic regression model was used to fit the response process of yield, IWUE and PFP to irrigation amount and fertilization amount, and the accuracy was greater than 0.8, indicating good fitting effects. The synergistic effect of water and fertilizer has a positive effect on optimizing apple water and fertilizer management. Principal component analysis showed that the magnetoelectric treatment combined water and fertilizer mainly affected apple yield, water and fertilizer use efficiency and vitamin C content related to quality. This study provides valuable guidance for improving water and fertilizer productivity, crop yield and quality in extreme arid areas of Xinjiang by using Magnetoelectric water irrigation.

Effect of fertilizer composition and different varieties on yield, methane and nitrous oxide emission from rice field in East Java Indonesia

IntroductionRice, as a staple food in several Asian countries, contributes to approximately 10% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during its cultivation. Furthermore, nitrogen fertilization increases the accumulation of GHG emissions. This study aims to investigate GHG emissions, including methane (CH4) and nitrous Oxide (N2O) resulting from the common fertilizer variations used by farmers in Indonesia for two rice varieties, Way Apo Buru and Inpari 32, and their relationship to rice yield. MethodsThe research was conducted from August to November 2022 in an open field located in Jember, Indonesia. Two rice varieties, Inpari 32 and Way Apo Buru, were employed in this study. Fertilization variations included Urea (46%-N), ZA (21%-N 24%-S), SP-36 (36%-P & 5%-S), KCl (250:100:50:50 kg ha-1) (P1); NPK (16%-N:16%-P:16%-K), Urea (46%-N), ZA (21%-N & 24%-S) (225:175:100 kg ha-1) (P2); NPK (12%-N:12%-P:17%-K), Urea (46%-N), ZA (21%-N & 24%-S) (175:150:100 kg ha-1) (P3); and NPKS (P1) + chicken manure fertilizer 5 tonnes ha-1 (P4).ResultsIn this research, Inpari 32 rice achieved greater yields while also exhibiting higher global warming potential. Applying NPKS fertilizer in combination with 5 tonnes ha-1 of manure fertilizer (referred to as P4) resulted in a substantial increase in rice yield compared to alternative fertilizer formulations. DiscussionsThe various inorganic fertilizers had a relatively similar influence on growth, production yield, and greenhouse gas emissions (CH4 and N2O). However, the fertilizer NPKS and 5 tonnes manure fertilizer resulted in the lowest CH4 emissions and global warming potential values.

Performance of sesame varieties (<i>Sesemum indicum</i> L.) as influenced by period of stress and NPK fertilizer rates in the Sudan Savannah

Field trials were conducted at the Irrigation Research Station, Kadawa to evaluate the response of sesame varieties to stress period and NPK fertilization in Sudan savannah. The treatments were two sesame varieties (NCRIBEN 01 and NCRIBEN 03) three water stress period (at seedling, flowering and podding stages), three NPK application rates (200, 270 and 340 kg NPKha-1). The experimental design used was randomized complete block design (RCBD) laid out in a split plot arrangement where the factorial combination of fertilizer rates and water stress periods were assigned to the main plot and varieties allocated to the sub plot and replicated three times. Results showed that variety NCRIBEN 03 recorded more capsules and higher capsule weight per plant and a grain yield of 1111.4 kg ha-1 and 1168.8kgha-1, in 2012/13 and 2013/14 dry seasons respectively. Stressing sesame at podding lead to 17 and 29% decline in number of pods and pod weight per plant, respectively and31% drop in grain yield. Application of 340 kg NPK fertilizer ha1 had highest yield of 1018 and 1078 kg ha-1 in 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons, respectively. The use of variety NCRIBEN 03 + 340 kg NPK fertilizer ha1+ stressing sesame at seedling stage will give best grain yield of sesame.

Effects of Inorganic Phosphorus and Organic Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) under Kabul Conditions

In Afghanistan, the main reasons for low crop yields are low soil fertility. Growing human populations has resulted in shrinking land areas and decreased soil fertility. Also, the overuse of chemical fertilizers is considered to be the main cause of soil characteristics deterioration, such as soil fertility, soil biology, and soil physical properties. On the other hand, no research has been done to find the ideal phosphorus and organic (ORGOFERT) fertilizer rate for improving common bean production in Afghanistan. Thus, it is pertinent to determine the optimum phosphorus and organic fertilizer dose for common bean cultivation in Afghanistan, where this crop is grown expensively. In 2020, a field trial took place at the agriculture faculty research farm of Kabul University during the growing season. The trial utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Each plot measured 200cm x 300cm, with plants spaced 40 cm apart in rows and 20 cm apart within rows. Different amounts of phosphorus and organic fertilizer were applied in the experiment. The results indicated that employing 50 kg of ORGOFERT and 80 kg of P2O5 fertilizers per hectare led to enhanced growth parameters such as plant height, number of branches per plant, and number of green leaves per plant, as well as improved yield attributes including the number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, 100-grain weight, and total grain yield per hectare. The ideal amount of phosphorous and ORGOFERT fertilizer to improve the growth and production of common beans under field conditions might be the rate of 80kg P2O5 + 50 kg ORGOFERT fertilizer ha-1 under Kabul's agro-ecological conditions.

Effects of Blended NPSB Fertilizer Rates on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties in Miserak Badawacho District, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Background: Macro and micronutrients are the most limiting factors in the production of potato in most part of the country. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of blended NPSB fertilizer rates on yield and yield components of potato varieties in Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia in 2021-2022 cropping season. Methods: The experiment was conducted as a factorial combination of five levels of blended NPSB fertilizer rates (0, 100, 150, 200, 250 kg ha-1) and four potato varieties in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data collected on growth, yield and yield-related traits were subjected to analysis of variance. Result: The results of the study revealed that variety and blended NPSB fertilizer showed a significant effect on crop phenology, growth, tuber yield and yield components. The interaction effect of variety and blended NPSB fertilizer also showed a significant effect on most of the traits measured except for days to 50% flowering and unmarketable tuber yield. The variety Belete showed the highest marketable tuber yield and total tuber yield with the application of 200 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer rate followed by variety Gudene). In terms of economic performance, 150 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer was found to show the marginal rate of return acceptable net benefit in variety Belete. Therefore, potato-growing farmers are advised to apply 150 kg ha-1 of NPSB fertilizer to grow Belete variety. In addition, Gudene variety at 250 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer application rate was found to show the highest marginal rate of return and net benefit can be considered as an alternative recommendation to increase the productivity of potato in the study area.

Yield Response of Chick Pea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties to NPS Fertilizer

Low soil fertility status and reduced biological nitrogen fixation are some of the major constraints in limiting chickpea yield. Thus, an experiment was conducted with the objective of assessing the effect of blended NPS fertilizer rates on the yield and yield components and economic advantages of chickpea varieties. The experiment was done using randomized complete block design with five NPS rates (0, 50, 75, 100 and 125 kg ha-1) and three chick pea varieties (Arerty, Shasho and Teketay) in three replications. The result showed that the main effect of variety had significant effect on days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, population at harvest, number of secondary branches, number of pods per plant, number of seed per pod, 100 seed weight, biological yield, grain yield and harvest index. Application of NPS significantly influenced number of pod per plant, biological yield, grain yield and harvest index. In addition, the pooled effect of the two factors showed highly significant differences on days to 50% germination, population at emergence and primary plant branches. Hence, Arerty variety showed an increased yield throughout the applied rates and attained its highest yield (3166.70 kg) at 125 kg ha-1 NPS applied along with the highest profit gaining. Shasho variety also showed a positive yield response at all treated plots as compared to the control; but attained maximum yield (2861 kg ha-1) at 100 kg ha-1 NPS applied. However, maximum profit was attained at rate of 75 kg ha-1 NPS. Teketay variety attained highest yield (3138.70 kg ha-1) at 100 kg ha-1 NPS applied; however its highest benefit to cost ratio (1.73) with highest economic benefit was reached at 50 kg ha-1 NPS applied. Thus, based on results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that using 100kg, 75kg and 50kg of NPS fertilizer ha-1 application for Arerty, Shasho, and Teketay varieties respectively improved productivity of chickpea with economically significant amount at the vicinity of the research area.

Effects of Combined Application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Grain Quality of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops in the highlands of Ethiopia and particularly in Arsi Zone. However, its yield is low due to intensive continuous cultivation, suboptimal fertilizer application and nutrient depletion especially in the highlands of Arsi, Ethiopia. For this reason, an experiment was carried out during the 2017 cropping season at Munesa District, Oromia Seed Enterprise Lole farm to determine the effects of integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and grain quality of bread wheat. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement in three replications using two bread wheat varieties (Hidase and Kingbird) as test crop and nine fertilizers combinations (control, 5 tons vermicompost, 10 tons farmyard manure, 0.1t NPS+0.025t UREA, 0.1t DAP+0.025t UREA, 0.05t NPS+0.025t UREA+2.5t VC, 0.05t NPS+0.025t UREA+0.5t FYM, 0.05t DAP+0.025t UREA+0.25t VC, 0.05t DAP+0.025t UREA+ 0.5t FYM). Days to heading and maturity, spike length, plant height, tiller number, spikelet number, biomass yield, grain filling period, grain yield, thousand kernels weight and harvest index were significantly (p<0.001) affected by the effects of varieties and fertilizers. Days to physiological maturity and grain filling were also significantly (p<0.001) influenced by the interaction effects of fertilizers and varieties. Higher growth, yields and quality of wheat were obtained from Hidase as compared to Kingbird variety. Highest yield of bread wheat (6.2t ha-1) was obtained from the combined application of 2.5t VC + 0.05t NPS + 0.025t UREA ha-1 fertilizers; while application of 0.05t DAP+0.025t UREA gave statistically similar yield and yield components with the highest yield. However, grain protein contents and hectoliter weight were only significantly (p<0.001) influenced by combined fertilizer applied. Therefore, it be conclude that combined application of 0.05t NPS + 0.025t UREA + 2.5t VC fertilizers had significantly improved the yields and qualities along better economic returns of wheat and Hidase variety of wheat was superior as compared to Kingbird variety in performances.

PENGARUH PUPUK ORGANIK DAN NITROGEN TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL KACANG TANAH (Arachis hypogaea L.) PADA TANAH ULTISOL

The aim of the research was to study the effect of organic fertilizer and Nitrogen (N) on the growth and yield of peanuts on ultisol soils. The study was conducted in the Labibia sub district, Kendari city, from July to October 2023. The study was arranged in a randomized block design (RAK) in a factorial pattern with three replications consisting of 2 factors. The first factor was organic fertilizer which consisted of 4 levels, namely: control (B0), 5 t ha-1 (B1), 10 t ha-1 (B2), and 15 t ha-1 (B3). The second factor was Nitrogen fertilizer which consisted of 3 levels, namely control (P0), 100 kg ha-1 (NPK1), and 200 kg ha-1 (NPK2) so that there were 4x3x3=36 experimental units. Observation variables included: plant height(cm), leaf area(cm2), 100 seed dry weight (g), yield per plot (g) and yield per ha (t ha-1). The results showed that there was an interaction between organic fertilizer and Nitrogen on the observed variables. The best results were obtained on the treatment of 15 t ha-1 of organic fertilizer and 200 kg ha-1 of Nitrogen fertilizer with the highest production reached 2.21 t ha-1.

Effect of Crop Specific Blended Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A Field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022-23 at Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Kathalagere, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, to study the effect of crop specific blended fertilizers on the growth and yield of maize. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with ten treatments replicated thrice. Nutrient composition of blended fertilizer used for basal application was 16:18:11:4:1 N:P2O5:K2O:S:Zn and for top dress was 27: 0:13 N:P2O5:K2O. The treatments T1, T2, T3 consisted of application of basal blended fertilizer @ 312.5, 412.5 and 515 kg ha-1, respectively and top dress blended fertilizer @ 237.5, 312.5 and 390 kg ha-1, respectively. Basal blended fertilizer @ 412.5 kg ha-1 + top dress of urea at 30 and 45 DAS (T4), Package of practice (PoP) through straight fertilizer (T5), PoP through complex fertilizer (T6), recommended dose through Urea, DAP, MOP and ZnSO4 + top dress of nano urea @ 0.4% at 30 and 45 DAS (T7), physical blending of Urea, SSP, MOP and ZnSO4 (16:18:11:4:1 N:P:K:S:Zn) for basal and Urea and MOP (27:0:13 N:P:K) for top dress (T8), farmers' practice (T9) and absolute control (T10). Among all treatments, the application of basal blended fertilizer @ 515 kg ha-1 + Top dress of blended fertilizer @ 390 kg ha-1 recorded the maximum plant height (222.4 cm), number of leaves (10.3 plant-1), total dry matter accumulation (285.86 g plant-1), cob length (21.31 cm), cob girth (18.31 cm), number of kernels per cob (516.57) and test weight (24.22 g) at harvest as compared to PoP through straight and complex fertilizer and absolute control. The same treatment recorded significantly higher kernel and straw yield (69.51 and 89.36 q ha-1, respectively) in comparison to other treatments but it was on par with T2, T5 and T6. The treatment T3 recorded 27.8 % higher yield compared to T9. In study area the application of basal blended fertilizer @ 515 kg ha-1 + Top dress of blended fertilizer @ 390 kg ha-1 is recommended to achieve higher growth and yield of maize.