Highest Marginal Rate Of Return Research Articles

Effect of Different Levels of Inorganic Nitrogen Fertilizer on Biomass, Seed Yield and Crude Protein Content of Rhodes Grass

The experiment was conducted on-station at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center and Negele Arsi (FTC) sites with objective to assess the effect of different levels of inorganic nitrogen (N)-fertilizer on forage biomass, seed yield and crude protein (CP) performances of Rhodes grass. Different levels of inorganic N fertilizers were used as treatments. Accordingly a total of five treatments; Rhodes without fertilizer (T1), 23kg/ha of inorganic N-fertilizer (T2), 46 kg/ha of inorganic N-fertilizer (T3), 69kg/ha of inorganic N-fertilizer (T4) and 92kg/ha of inorganic N-fertilizer (T5) were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The result indicated that the highest biomass, seed yield and CP content were obtained from the treatments fertilized with inorganic N-fertilizers significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to the control treatment. The yield and CP contents increased with the increment of the rate of inorganic fertilizers. However, treatments with higher level of fertilizer application didn't produce significance yield and CP differences as compared to the lower level of fertilizer application. This clearly showed that applying fertilizers above the minimum levels (23kg/ha N) didn't produce significantly higher yield and CP in this experiment. The lower yield and CP performance of the control/without fertilizer treatment showed that the experimental soil have not had enough nutrients to sustain optimal performance of Rhodes grass. Based on economic analysis results, the highest marginal rate of returns of 1.23 and 13.18 were produced for forage biomass and seed yield production, respectively, using inorganic N-fertilizer at the rate of 23kg/ha. It indicated that this rate was the most economical among others for herbage biomass and seed yield production of Rhodes grass. Therefore, the optimum inorganic N fertilizer rate for small scale farmers of the study area with low cost of production and higher benefits was at a rate of 23 kg/ha. Keywords: Biomass yield, Nitrogen fertilizer, Seed yield, Rhodes grass DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-10-01 Publication date: May 31 st 2020

Nutrient uptake and use efficiency of onion seed yield as influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization

The experiment was conducted at Kulumsa, South East Ethiopia, using four levels of nitrogen (N) (0, 50,100 and 150 kg N ha−1) and four levels of phosphorus (P) (0, 35, 70 and 105 kg P2O5 ha−1) fertilizers arranged in 4 × 4 factorial arrangements in randomized complete block design with three replications. The available P was increased after harvest due to the application of N and P fertilizer at the rates of 100 or 150 kg N ha−1 and 70 or 105 kg P2O5 ha−1. More specifically, nutrients concentration and nutrient uptake were significantly (p < .01) varied among treatment combinations and nutrient use efficiency was declined by increasing N and P after optimum rates. The higher physiological efficiency of N (53.47 kg kg−1) and P (580.41 kg kg−1) and the highest apparent recovery of N (19.62%) and P (2.47%) was recorded from application of 50 kg N ha−1 and P at 70 kg P2O5 ha−1 and the highest agronomic efficiency of N (10.78 kg kg−1) and P (15.25 kg kg−1) was recorded from N at the rate of 50 kg N ha−1 and P at 35 kg P2O5 ha−1, respectively. The combination of N at 100 kg N ha−1 and P at 70 kg P2O5 ha−1 was promising combination that generated highest net benefit 488,878.5 ETB (Ethiopian birr) ha−1 with the highest marginal rate of return (36638%) and gave the highest seed yield (1858.82 kg ha−1) with yield increment of about 57.72% over the control.

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.

Effects of Seeding Rates and Nitrogen Fertilization on Seed Yield, Oil Content and Yield Components of Linseed (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Linum usitasissimum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) in the Highlands of Bale

A significant number of studies have been published on linseed husbandry in other countries but there is limited information on linseed production in the country. Due to such gaps, the experiment was conducted at two locations in Bale, south eastern Ethiopia (Sinana and Agarfa) to study effects of seeding rates and nitrogen fertilizations on linseed performance for three consecutive years (2016-2018). The treatments were four rates each of nitrogen (0, 23, 46, and 69 kg N ha-1), and seeding rates (20, 30, 40, and 50 kg ha-1) laid out in factorial arrangement of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Linseed variety ‘Jitu’ was used as a test crop. The main effect of nitrogen and seed rates at Sinana was not significantly affected (P<0.05) most of the studied parameters probably due to relatively high accumulation of nitrogen in the soil and conducive environmental condition. However, the study conducted at Agarfa using similar methodology was significantly affected by the studied factors. This could be due to low to medium soil nitrogen status of the study site. Accordingly the result of the experiment at Agarfa revealed that applying 23 kg N ha-1 (50 kg ha-1UREA) when 20 kg ha-1 seed rate in row planting were given the highest marginal rate of return. However further investigation has to be carried out on farmers’ field in order to further confirm the present results.

English

Tef is a stable crop in Ethiopia in which its yield is constrained by poor soil fertility management. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years during 2016 and 2017 on clayey textural soil to assess the effect of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer rates on yield and yield components of tef. Accordingly, field experiment with four levels of vermicompost (0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1) and four levels of NPS (0, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) were arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a factorial combination with three replications. A tef variety, qunco was used as test crop. Analysis of the data revealed that highest grain yield (2269.80 kg ha-1) was obtained from the treatment of 4 t vermicompost ha-1+150 kg NPS ha-1. Significantly highest straw yield (6480.60 kg ha-1) was obtained from the treatment of 6 t vermicompost ha-1+200 kg NPS ha-1, but statistically similar with 4 t vermicompost ha-1 +150 kg NPS ha-1. To evaluate the feasibility of the treatments with view of farmers’ practices, a partial budget analysis was conducted on straw and grain yield of tef and accordingly the highest marginal rate of return 4184% were obtained from combined fertilization of 4 t vermicompost ha-1 and 150 kg NPS ha-1. Therefore, based on the data obtained from this study application of 4 t vermicompost ha-1 and 150 kg NPS ha-1 will be recommended as profitable for the production of tef at Beles kebelle Tahtay Koraro district. Key words: Integrated nutrient management, NPS fertilizer tef yield, vermicompost.

English

The use of right amount of fertilizer based on crop requirement has a significant importance for sustainable crop production. Study was undertaken to investigate the effects of NPSZnB blended fertilizer for maize yield production at Laelay Adiyabo and Medebay Zana districts. Seven treatments were used for the field experiment. Treatments were without fertilizer, blanket recommended NP (64 kg N ha-1+69 kg P2O5 ha-1) and five treatments of blended fertilizer rates (150, 200, 250, 300, and 350 kg NPSZnB ha-1). Treatments were laid out in RCBD design with three replications. The results revealed that among fertilizers rates significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected almost all the maize traits tested except tasseling, silking and maturity in Laelay Adiyabo district. However, in Medebay Zana district except tasseling, silking and maturity, plant height and thousand seeds weight, the rest parameters of above ground biomass yield, stover yield grain yield and harvest index were found significantly (P<0.05) affected by the fertilizer treatments. Highest stover yields (11.12 and 11.76 t ha-1) were obtained from application of 150 and 250 kg NPSZnB ha-1for Laelay Adiyabo and Medebay Zana districts, respectively. At both districts of Laelay Adiyabo and Medebay Zana areas the highest grain yields (3.20 and 2.97 t ha-1) were obtained, respectively from application of NPSZnB fertilizer at the rate of 300 kg ha-1, while the minimum grain yields of both districts were obtained from the control checks. The highest marginal rate of returns of 242 and 255% were obtained from application of 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1in both Laelay Adiyabo and Medebay Zana districts, respectively. Therefore, based on the result obtained from this study 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 can be recommended as profitable for the production of maize at both districts of the study areas. Key words: Blended fertilizer, maize yield, profitability.

Verification of Fungicide and Its Application Frequency for Management of Frog eye Leaf Spot (Cercospora capcisi) on Hot Pepper Under Rain Fed Condition at Bako

Cercospora leaf spot is caused by Cercospora capcisi is an important disease which reduces the productivity of hot pepper (Capsicum spp.). Field experiment was conducted to evaluate different fungicides and its application frequencies against Cercospora leaf spot in order to select an important fungicides and its application frequency at Bako Agricultural Research Center. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replication. Two different fungicides (Mancozeb 80WP and Trust-Cymocop 439.5WP) and four application frequencies (two, three, four and five) times with untreated control were used. Data on disease severity, area under disease progress curve, marketable yield and unmarketable yield of hot pepper were recorded. The result revealed that, both fungicides sprayed control Cercospora leaf spot which is significantly different from untreated check in disease severity, area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) and marketable yield. However, application frequencies of fungicides were not significantly different on disease severity, AUDPC and marketable yield of the plant. Application of Trust Cymocop 439.5WP reduces 26.67% relative yield loss of hot pepper over control check. An economic analysis was done for fungicides and shows feasibility of fungicide application for management of Cercospora leaf spot. Fungicide which has the highest Marginal Rate of Return was used for recommendation. Two times application of Trust-Cymocop 439.5WP was recommended to reduce disease severity and yield loss of the plant. Keywords: Cercospora leaf spot, frequency, hot pepper, and trust-Cymocop 439.5WP DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-20-01 Publication date :October 31 st 2019

Optimum rate of NPS fertilizer for economical production of irrigated onion (Allium cepa L) in Dembyia District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Onion is one of the most important vegetable crops grown under irrigation in Amhara Region. Application of fertilizer is an important input to increase yields of vegetables including onion where its rate mostly depends on the fertility status of the particular soil. The present study was initiated with the objective to identify the optimum rate of the newly introduced NPS fertilizer for maximum bulb yield of onion under irrigated smallholder farming system. The study was conducted in Dembyia District during the 2014/2015 irrigation season. Twelve NPS fertilizer rates were laid down on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications to identify the optimum rates of NPS where maximum yield of Adama Red onion variety can be obtained. The results of the experiment revealed that most of the growth and yield parameters of onion were significantly affected by NPS fertilizer. The longest plant height (60.1 cm) was recorded when N:P2O5:S was applied at the rate of 73.5:92:16.95 kg ha-1, respectively. The longest (51.1cm) and widest (1.44 cm) onion leaves were recorded on plants where N:P2O5:S was applied with 136.5:119.6:22 kg ha-1. Onion plants supplied with 105:119.6:22 kg ha-1 N:P2O5:S fertilizer rate gave the highest mean bulb weight (198.8 g), marketable yield (20.8 ha-1) and total bulb yield (21.4 t ha-1). Similarly, onion plants supplied with 105:119.6:22 kg ha-1 N:P2O5:S fertilizer rate recorded the highest marginal rate of return followed by those onion plants supplied with 105: 92:16.95 kg ha-1. Onion plants which were not supplied with NPS fertilizer showed generally lower growth and yield parameters. Application of NPS fertilizer at the rate of 105:119.6:22: kg ha-1 N:P2O5:S can be recommended for economical production of onion in the study area.

Combination of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Improves Wheat Yields and Soil Properties on Nitisols of Central highlands of Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted for three consecutive cropping seasons (2015-2017) on farmers’ fields in Welmera district of Oromiya Regional State with the objective of quantifying the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of wheat and soil chemical properties. The treatments included eleven selected combinations of organic and inorganic nutrient sources including farm yard manure, Compost, Nitrogen and Phosphorus application. The experimental design was randomized complete block with three replications. Results showed that wheat yield, yield components and soil chemical properties were significantly affected by the application of organic and inorganic fertilizer sources. The highest wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield (4278.1 kg/ha) and biomass yield (1385.5kg/ha) were obtained from the applications of half doses of compost which is based on recommended N equivalent and half doses of the recommended nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers (30kg/ha N and 34.5kg/ha P that half dose contains) followed by 4269.4 kg/ha and 13711.7 kg/ha for grain yield and biomass yield, respectively, due to the application of the full recommended N and P rates (60kg N/ha and 69kg P/ha)from inorganic fertilizers. Application of organic fertilizer improved organic carbon from 1.08% to 1.86%, total N from 0.14% to 0.28%, available phosphorous from 6.35ppm to 18.14pmm and pH from 4.04 to 5.08. The highest marginal rate of return was obtained from application of 75% compost (based on equivalent N rate) plus 25% N and P, which is economically the most profitable on Nitisols of the central Ethiopian highlands. Keywords : Compost, Farm yard manure, Nitisols, Nitrogen, Phosphorus DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-4-02

Management of Septoria Tritici Blotch (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Septoria tritici&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) of Bread Wheat (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Triticum aestivum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Septoria tritici blotch (STB) is an economically important foliar disease in the major wheat-growing areas of Ethiopia. The current research was conducted to determine the impact of wheat varieties and fungicides on disease development and wheat yield. Besides, the effect of bread wheat varieties and fungicides on STB development, wheat yield was evaluated at Holleta and Kulumsa in a factorial field experiment involving three bread wheat varieties and six fungicide spray schedules. At Holetta, variety Kekeba had the highest AUDPC (2548) value followed by Madawalabu and Alidoro; whereas at Kulumsa the highest AUDPC (1509) was recorded on variety Madawalabu followed by Alidoro and Kekeba varieties. STB incidence and severity were significantly reduced by the application of fungicides across varieties but fungicide-variety combinations had differential effects on disease development. Wheat grain yields were the lowest from unsprayed plots regardless of variety and location. Kekeba variety treated with Mancozeb-Tilt-Mancozeb-Tilt (MTMT) fungicide combination produced the highest yield (5.05t/ha). The highest (577.31%) and lowest (-19.95%) marginal rate of return were obtained from Tilt and MTMT sprayed fields at Holetta planted with Kekeba and Madawalabu varieties, respectively. On the other hand, at Kulumsa, the highest marginal rate of return (886.88%) and the lowest marginal rate of return (-63.98%) was obtained from Tilt and Mancozeb sprays on Madawalabu and Alidoro varieties, respectively. The present findings confirmed the importance of STB in Ethiopia and the role fungicides play in managing the disease on partially resistant varieties.

APLICACIÓN DE ABONOS ORGANICOS EN LA PRODUCCIÓN DE ZANAHORIA (Daucus carota L.)

The trial was conducted at Querochaca Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering of the Technical University of Ambato, located in the canton Cevallos with the aim of evaluating the application of organic fertilizers, such as compost, bocashi, humus, biol and its effect on growth, equatorial diameter, length, weight and yield in the carrot crop. A randomized complete block design was used in a factorial arrangement with four types of organic fertilizers and three application doses (1 kg / m2, 2 kg / m2, 3kg / m2) with four repetitions. The application of organic fertilizers to the soil in doses of 3 kg / m2 indicates that at 120 days the height in the carrot plant reaches 30.54 centimeters, equatorial diameter at the root of 11.97 cm, root length of14, 80 cm, root weight with 99.87 grams and a yield of 7.49 kg / m2. The Compost 1 kg / m² treatment registered the highest marginal rate of return of 33.64%.

IMPLEMENTATION OF PERMANENT RAISED BEDS CONTRIBUTES TO INCREASED CROP YIELD AND PROFITABILITY IN THE NORTHEASTERN TIGRAY REGION, ETHIOPIA

SUMMARYA major problem faced by small-scale farmers in northern Ethiopia is reduced crop yield due to increasing soil degradation resulting from repeated tillage and inadequate agronomic management practices. These practices have left soils and rainfed crops susceptible to hazardous climatic events such as droughts. Sustainable farm practices such as minimum tillage and surface residue retention have been shown to improve soil health and crop productivity. The objectives of this field study were thus to evaluate the impacts of conservation agriculture (CA) practices on crop yield and economic productivity over 6 years in the eastern Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. Using a barley–wheat rotation from 2010 to 2016, the applied treatments were (i) permanent raised beds (PRB); (2) semi-permanent raised beds (SPB) and (3) conventional tillage (CT). Average barley and wheat biomass and grain yields in PRB and SPB treatments were consistently greater than yields under CT each year. In addition, the highest marginal rate of return was obtained in PRB and SPB compared to CT in all years (2010–2016). These results suggest that the CA practices of PRB and SPB can improve crop yield and profit compared to CT practices in the Tigray region.

OPTIMIZING WATER PRODUCTIVITY, YIELD AND QUALITY OF GRAPEFRUIT IRRIGATED BY BUBBLER AND SURFACE IRRIGATION UNDER KHARTOUM STATE SUDAN CONDITIONS

The experiment was carried out in the private orchards at Tayba Alhasnab area ofsouth Khartoum State, in Sudan during 2012 and 2013 to evaluate the waterproductivity, yield and quality of foster grapefruit irrigated by bubbler and surfaceirrigation system. Irrigation interval was 5 days in bubbler irrigation system andevery 7 to12 days in surface irrigation system depending on the prevailing weatherconditions. The results revealed that higher yield and number of fruits was obtainedon bubbler irrigation system compared to surface irrigation system. Moreover,bubbler irrigation system increased the total yield of foster grapefruit by 28% and25%, respectively as compared to surface irrigation system. Applying irrigatedwater under bubbler irrigation system improved the quality parameters of fostergrapefruit such as fruit diameter recorded significant differences on bubblerirrigation system compared with surface irrigation system in both years, fruitweight and peel thickness recorded significant differences (P≤0.001) betweenbubbler irrigation system and surface irrigation system on finger weight, but ondifferences in peel thickness in both years, total soluble solids of foster grapefruitirrigated by bubbler irrigation system were significantly higher (P≤ 0.001)compared with surface irrigation system in both years.However, bubbler irrigation system saved irrigation water by 68% and 71% andhad highest water productivity (2.9 and 2.7 kg/m3) compared to surface irrigationsystem (0.67 and 0.68 kg/m3). Also highest marginal rate of return was obtainedwith bubbler irrigation system compared to surface irrigation.

English

This study investigates integrated striga management (ISM) technologies for enhancement of sorghum productivity and reduction of striga infestation using demonstration conducted in 2016/2017 production season in Tanqua-Abergele district in one of the striga prone areas at ‘Imba-Rufeal’ kebele. The results implied that there was a highly significant difference among application of ISM technologies and conventional practices for grain and straw yield. The mean sorghum grain yields obtained from ISM technologies and conventional practice were 32.86±2.96 and 25.08±5.49 qt ha-1, respectively. Conversely, the mean sorghum straw yields obtained from ISM technologies and conventional practice were 123.29±11.22 and 138.20±16.46 qt ha-1, respectively. Partial budget analysis indicated that maximum net benefit (11,468.33 ETB ha-1) with the highest marginal rate of return (136.01%) was generated from sorghum grown fields treated with ISM technologies compared to cultivation of local cultivar through conventional practices (9,207.83 ETB ha-1). That means for every 1 ETB invested on sorghum production using ISM technologies, the return was 1.36 ETB. Farmers’ perceptions also indicated that ISM technologies are quite good at solving the recurrent striga infestation, yield increment and drought escaping mechanism of improved variety (Gobiye). Unlike straw yield, the improved variety grown using the ISM technologies proved better in grain yield, earliness, striga resistance and economically feasible compared to conventional practices. Therefore, farmers should implement ISM technologies with its full packages to enhance yield and reduce scourge of striga. Moreover, further popularization and scaling out of ISM technologies to locations prone to striga infestation should be implemented by the research center and stakeholders. Key words: Cultivar, demonstration, farmers’ perception, net benefit, partial budget analysis.

Effect of nitrogen and sulphur fertilizer levels on growth, yield and oil content of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) in Sinana, South-Eastern Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted on research field of Sinana Agricultural Research Center (SARC), in the highlands of Bale, South-eastern Ethiopia during the main cropping season of 2013 to investigate the effect of nitrogen and sulphur on growth, yield and oil content of linseed. A factorial combination of four rates of N (0, 23, 46, 69 kg ha -1 ) with four rates of S (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha -1 ) was applied in randomized complete block in three replications. Analysis of variance revealed that the main effect of nitrogen significantly affected all tested parameters except for days to 50% emergence, number of seeds per capsule and stand count per meter square. In these study, most of yield and yield components of the crop lacked significant response to the application of sulphur. This might be due to the fact that sulphur content of the soil of the study site was medium. On the other hand, the interaction effect between nitrogen and sulphur was only significant for days to 50% emergence. Linseed crop grown without nitrogen application exhibited the highest seed oil content (40.7%). The economic analysis revealed that the highest net return of Birr 31980 ha -1 and the highest marginal rate of return 5045.21% were obtained from the treatment that received 23 kg N ha -1 . Therefore, for farmers cultivating linseed in Sinana and areas with the same soil chemical and physical conditions, application of 23 kg N ha -1 is sufficient for obtaining optimum seed and oil yield of the crop, with no need to apply sulphur as a fertilizer. However, to come up with a conclusive recommendation, the experiment should be repeated over seasons and locations.

Yield Response and Nitrogen use Efficiency of Boro Rice Varieties as Affected by Different Methods of USG and Prilled Urea Application

An experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur during Boro season of 2013-14 and 2014-15 to find out the nitrogen use efficiency and yield of boro rice var. BRRI dhan28 and BRRI dhan29 under four N management practices such as application of prilled urea using prilled urea applicator, application of USG (2.7gm) using USG applicator, broadcasting of prilled urea following three splits and a control (without urea). The experimental design was RCBD replicated thrice. BRRI dhan29 with urea broadcasted plots produced higher grain yield (7.38t ha-1) followed by BRRI dhan29 with USG application (6.65 t ha-1). Hand broadcasting with urea fertilizer showed 15.38.5and 2.5, 9.89% higher grain yield than machine application of prilled urea and USG in BRRI dhan28 and BRRI dhan29, respectively. Grain yield showed a significant quadratic response to N fertilization and significant linear response with total dry matter production in both the varieties. Higher total N was uptake from urea broadcasted plots in BRRI dhan29 followed by urea broadcasted from BRRI dhan28. BRRI dhan29 with Prilled urea applicator and BRRI dhan29 with USG treatment uptake intermediate nitrogen. N uptake in grain and total N uptake had a significant linear and quadratic response to N treatment in BRRI dhan28 and BRRI dhan29. Nitrogen use efficiency was higher in BRRI dhan29 compared to BRRI dhan28. Economic analysis showed that rice var. BRRI dhan28 and BRRI dhan29 with urea broadcast had the highest gross return of Tk.145145.00 and Tk. 158310.00 ha-1, respectively. However, the maximum cost (Tk. 151131) was involved for BRRI dhan29 with urea broadcasting, while the minimum with no urea fertilizer application for both the varieties. The highest marginal rate of return (MRR) (Tk.1146) was recorded from BRRI dhan28 with USG application using BRRI applicator.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2016, 19(1): 1-10

Supplementation of different level of corn silage with linseed meal on performance of black head Ogaden sheep fed grass hay

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the supplementation effect of different level corn silage (CS) with linseed meal (LSM) on performance of black head Ogaden sheep. Twenty five yearling male sheep with a mean initial BW of 14.85±0.31kg were assigned into five treatments in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were grass hay ad libitum + 60 g DM/day LSM alone (T 1 ) or supplemented with 100 (T 2 ), 200 (T 3 ), 300 (T 4 ) and 400 g DM/day CS (T 5 ). The experiment contains 90 days feeding and 7 days digestibility trials and carcass evaluation. CP (crude protein) content was 10.0, 8.6, and 30.4% and the NDF content was 76.8, 59.6 and 37.0% DM for grass hay, CS and LSM, respectively. Total DM intake was 575, 637, 695, 765 and 844 g/head/day and was in the order of T 5 > T 4 > T 3 > T 2 > T 1 at ( p <0.05). Total CP intake followed a similar trend to that of total DM intake. The apparent digestibility of CP 72.4% for T5 was greater ( p <0.05) as compared to T 1 and T 2 . ADG was 50, 65, 70, 80 and 80 g/day for T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , T 4 and T 5 , respectively. Among the corn silage supplemented group ADG was lower ( p <0.05) for T 2 than T 4 and T5. Hot carcass weight for T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , T 4 and T 5 was 6.03, 7.00, 7.35, 7.97, 8.00 kg respectively and dressing percentage on slaughter BW basis was lower ( p <0.05) for T 1 as compared to T 3 , T 4 and T 5 . Marginal rate of return (MRR) was lowest for T 5 (3.64%) and highest for T 2 (22.32%). So considering capital, T 2 with the highest MRR would be recommended as being economical. However, if capital is not the limiting factor, T 4 would be selected since it fetches better net return and is good in inducing better biological performance of animals in terms of ADG and carcass output. K ey w o r d s: Body weight, Carcass weight, Corn silage, Sheep,Supplementation

Response of Broccoli (&lt;i&gt;Brassica oleracia&lt;/i&gt; L.) to Different Irrigation Regimes

The study was conducted at the experimental field of Horticulture Research Centre, BARI, Gazipur during Rabi seasons in three years (2012 to 2015) to investigate the response of broccoli (cv. Premium crop) under different irrigation regimes. The experiment was conducted in RCBD with five replications. There were four treatments: I1=Irrigation up to FC at 5 days interval after plant establishment (PE), I2= Irrigation up to FC at 10 days interval after PE, I3 = Irrigation up to FC at 15 days interval after PE and I4= Irrigation up to FC at 20 days interval after PE. A significant response of broccoli to different irrigation levels was observed. Among the different treatments, I2 (irrigation at 10 days interval) was significantly better yielding (19.98 t/ha, 20.63 t/ha and 16.24 t/ha in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year, respectively). The lowest yields were observed from the treatment I4 each in all 3 years. The highest seasonal water (382.30 mm, 296.58 mm and 305.00 mm in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year) were used in treatment I1 and the lowest (204.60 mm, 185.66 mm and 179.77mm in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year) were used in treatment I4, I3 and I3, respectively. The results suggest that irrigation at 10 days interval (I2) might be optimum irrigation schedule for broccoli production on the basis of gross return. But in respect of economic profitability, the highest marginal rate of return is obtained from treatment I3.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 98-106

Effect of fertilizer on coriander seed production

A field experiment on coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) was carried out during rabi seasons of 2011-12 and 2012-13 in Low Ganges River Flood Plain Soil under AEZ-12 at Farming System Research and Development Site, Hatgobindapur, Faridpur to find out optimum and economic doses of fertilizers for coriander (var. BARI Dhania 1) for sustainable higher yield and to update balanced fertilizer recommendation for target yield. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 8 treatments viz. T1=N118P47K26S10Zn2.2B0.8 Kgha-1, T2= N147P47K26S10Zn2.2B0.8 Kg ha-1, T3= N147P59K26S10Zn2.2B0.8 Kg ha-1, T4= N147P47K32S10Zn2.2B0.8 Kgha-1, T5= N118P59K32S10Zn2.2B0.8 Kgha-1, T6= N147P59K32S10Zn2.2B0.8 Kgha-1, T7= N88P35K19S8Zn1.6B0.6 Kgha-1 and T8= Native nutrient (Control). The highest seed yield (1373 kg ha-1) was obtained from the treatment T3 which was statistically similar with T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 treatments. The soil test based treatment T1 produced 1311 kg yield ha-1 and yield difference of ther added fertilizer treatment with T1 was only 5%. The fertilizer added treatments didn’t exert the significant difference with soil based treatment (T1) on yield and yield contributing characters. However, T1 treatment appeared to be the best suited combination because of its higher gross margin Tk 41,769 ha-1, capability in reducing nutrient cost Tk 13106 ha-1 and the highest marginal rate of return (MRR) (108%) whereas treatment T3 covered 21% MRR and the highest nutrient cost among the treatments and hence treatment, N118P47K26S10Zn2.2B0.8 Kg ha-1 (100% NPKSZnB from STB dose) may be recommended for coriander seed production in the study area.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 41(2): 345-352, June 2016

Effect of Sowing Date and Seed Rate on Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.,) Growth, Yield and Components of Yield at Sinana, Highland Conditions of Bale, Southeastern Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted during 2011-2013 Bona/Meher cropping seasons for three consecutive years to study the direct influence of sowing date, seed rate and their interactions on faba bean. The experiment was laid out in split-plot with randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. Four seed rates (175, 200, 225 and 250 kg/ha) were used as main plot and four sowing dates, which begun on the onset of the rain shower and with two week sowing date intervals to the rest three sowing dates were used as a subplot. The results of the three years data revealed that sowing date significantly affected all the tested parameters except 1000 seed weight. Seed yield was declined by 5, 23.3 and 67% from first to the fourth sowing dates respectively. On the other hand, seed rate had no significant effect on all parameters except for plant height. The interaction effect between sowing date and seed rate showed all the tested parameters were significantly affected. The data indicated that the highest plant height, number of pods plant, number of seeds pod, seed yield hectare and 1000 seed weight were obtained at 250 kg/ha with third sowing, 200 kg/ha with first to third sowing, 250 kg/ha with second sowing, 250 kg/ha with first sowing and 175 kg/ha with third sowing date while the minimum value was obtained at fourth sowing date with consecutive seed rates. However, the partial budget analysis showed 175 kg/ha seed rates with early planting gave the highest marginal rate of return (MRR) and it was economical to produce faba bean in highlands of Bale. But, another seed rate experiment will be needed in the future with seed rates of less than 175 kg/ha for conclusive recommendations.